Banded Coral Shrimp

Also known as Coral Banded Shrimp, Banded Boxer Shrimp

The Banded Coral Shrimp is one of the most recognizable and popular ornamental shrimp in the marine aquarium hobby, featuring striking red and white bands and impressive long antennae. Native to tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, this hardy species is valued for its attractive appearance and pest-control abilities, though it requires careful consideration regarding tank mates.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Stenopus hispidus
• Common Names: Banded Coral Shrimp, Coral Banded Shrimp, Banded Boxer Shrimp, Banded Cleaner Shrimp
• Adult Size: Up to 3 inches (body length); antennae can be twice body length
• Lifespan: 2–3 years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial toward other shrimp
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe with caution – generally safe for corals but may prey on small invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum
• Experience Level: Easy to Moderate – hardy but requires careful tank mate selection

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide live rock structure with caves, ledges, and overhangs for shelter and territory. Prefers to establish a specific cave or crevice as home base. Moderate to low lighting preferred. Rockwork should offer multiple hiding spots.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Maintain stable water conditions with regular water changes
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Standard filtration system
  • Protein skimmer recommended
  • Moderate water flow
  • Avoid copper-based medications and treatments

Diet & Feeding

Banded Coral Shrimp are opportunistic carnivores and scavengers:

• Staples: Frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, krill, chopped frozen seafood (shrimp, fish, scallops)
• Supplemental: High-quality pellets, flake food, leftover fish food
• Natural Behavior: Will clean parasites and dead tissue from fish, though less reliably than dedicated cleaner shrimp species
• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times per week; will also scavenge continuously
• Special Note: May occasionally catch and consume very small fish, particularly slow-moving or sleeping fish. Known to prey on bristleworms, small crabs, and other small invertebrates.

Social Structure & Behavior

• Best Kept as: Single specimen or male/female pair only
• Pairing: Monogamous pairs can be kept successfully if introduced simultaneously. Pairs are often more bold and active.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Females are larger with broader bodies, especially when carrying eggs. Males are smaller and slimmer.
• Territorial Behavior: Highly aggressive toward other Banded Coral Shrimp and may fight with other shrimp species. Will defend chosen territory vigorously.
• Activity: Primarily nocturnal but will emerge during feeding times. Becomes bolder over time.
• Cleaning Stations: May establish cleaning stations but is less consistent than dedicated cleaner shrimp (Lysmata species)

Notes & Considerations

• Possesses large, powerful claws capable of catching and consuming small tank mates.
• Not recommended with small, peaceful shrimp species (ornamental shrimp, sexy shrimp, small pistol shrimp).
• May prey on small fish, particularly bottom-dwelling species like small gobies, blennies, or firefish.
• Generally peaceful toward appropriately sized fish but occasional predation on sick or sleeping fish reported.
• Excellent bristleworm control – will actively hunt and consume bristleworms.
• Long, sweeping antennae are highly sensitive and used for detecting food and threats.
• More bold and active when kept as a pair compared to single specimens.
• Will molt regularly; extremely vulnerable immediately after molting and may hide for several days.
• Can regenerate lost claws and appendages over multiple molts.
• Like all invertebrates, highly sensitive to copper-based medications.
• Provide iodine supplementation to support healthy molting.
• May nip at certain coral polyps if very hungry, though this is uncommon.
• One of the hardiest ornamental shrimp species, tolerating less-than-perfect conditions better than many alternatives.

Why Choose a Quarantined Banded Coral Shrimp?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthy, well-acclimated shrimp that has been observed for normal behavior and feeding response. Our specimens are conditioned to accept a variety of prepared foods and have been housed with appropriate monitoring to ensure they’re robust and ready for introduction to your aquarium, giving you confidence in adding this striking and hardy species.