🦐 Banded Coral Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus)
🦐 Banded Coral Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus)
Red & White • Long Antennae • Reef Safe
📋 The Banded Coral Shrimp is one of the most iconic ornamental shrimp species in the aquarium hobby. It is instantly recognizable by its bright red-and-white banded claws, long white antennae, and spiky armored body.
Known as a cleaner shrimp, it removes parasites from fish and scavenges uneaten food. While reef safe, it can be territorial with other shrimp, so pairs or single specimens are recommended unless housed in very large aquariums.
Its striking appearance, useful scavenging behavior, and reef-safe compatibility make the Banded Coral Shrimp a must-have invertebrate for marine aquariums.
💡 Highlights
✨ Red-and-White Bands – iconic candy-cane coloring
⚪ Long Antennae – sweeping white feelers
📏 Moderate Size – up to 8 cm (3")
✅ Reef Safe – peaceful with fish and corals
🐠 Cleaner Shrimp – removes parasites and scavenges food
🧾 A Quick Look at the Banded Coral Shrimp
📛 Common Name: Banded Coral Shrimp, Coral Banded Shrimp
🔬 Scientific Name: Stenopus hispidus
👨👩👧 Family: Stenopodidae
🌍 Origin: Tropical Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, Caribbean
📏 Max Size: 6 – 8 cm (2.5 – 3")
💧 pH Range: 8.0 – 8.4
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
🧠 Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
💖 Temperament: Semi-aggressive with other shrimp
🪸 Reef Safe: ✅ Yes – safe with corals and invertebrates
🏠 Min Tank Size: 110 L (30 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Bottom to mid, often under ledges or in caves
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ Rare, mostly wild-caught
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Common in the aquarium trade
⏳ Lifespan: 2 – 3 years
🍽️ Diet: Carnivore – scavenger, eats meaty foods and detritus
🐣 Reproduction: Egg-bearing; larvae difficult to rear in captivity
