Coral Banded Shrimp

Stenopus hispidus

Coral banded shrimp (Stenopus hispidus), also called the banded cleaner shrimp, is a reef-dwelling stenopodid found across warm oceans. It is easy to identify by red-and-white banded legs and body, very long white antennae, and enlarged front claws held out from a cave or ledge. Although it resembles the cleaner shrimps sold for aquariums, it belongs to a different group and is more territorial. On reefs it scavenges meaty scraps and may clean parasites or dead tissue from fishes that approach its station.

In marine aquariums, coral banded shrimp need stable salinity, rockwork with shaded retreats, and protection from copper-based medications. They accept small pieces of marine meaty food but should not be allowed to rely only on leftovers in a sparse tank. Adults may threaten small shrimps, delicate crustaceans, or newly settled fish, so many keepers house one animal or an established pair. Molting individuals hide and are vulnerable until the new shell hardens. Captive larval rearing is possible in specialist settings but far more demanding than keeping adults.