Coral Banded Shrimp

Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) – Description & Care Guide

The Coral Banded Shrimp, also called Banded Cleaner Shrimp, is a striking and semi-aggressive crustacean prized for its bold red-and-white banded body and long white antennae. It is often kept in reef tanks for its scavenging habits and ornamental beauty.

Basic Description

• Scientific Name: Stenopus hispidus

• Common Names: Coral Banded Shrimp, Banded Cleaner Shrimp, Boxer Shrimp

• Appearance:

  • Red and white striped body and claws

  • Long white antennae

  • Flattened, fan-like front pincers

  • Semi-translucent legs

• Size: Up to 2–3 inches (body), ~3–4 inches including antennae

• Origin: Widespread in tropical and subtropical oceans—Indo-Pacific, Caribbean, Red Sea

• Environment: Provide rock crevices or overhangs for hiding

• Lighting: Not picky—often hides during the day, active at night or low light

Diet & Feeding

• Diet Type: Carnivore/scavenger

• Feeds On:

  • Leftover fish food

  • Meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood

  • Dead or decaying matter

• Feeding Frequency: 3–4 times per week if food is not abundant in tank

Note: Despite its “cleaner shrimp” name, it rarely performs cleaning in aquariums.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Territorial: Especially toward other shrimp—including its own kind (unless paired as a mated pair)

• Tank Mates:

  • Peaceful or semi-aggressive fish

  • Larger inverts and coral

  • Avoid other ornamental shrimp (e.g., cleaner or fire shrimp)

  • May attack smaller, slow-moving shrimp or crabs

• Mating: Can be kept as a mated pair in large tanks (>55 gallons) if introduced together

Cautions & Considerations

• Aggression: Can kill smaller or weaker shrimp, especially when molting

• Copper Sensitivity: Like all inverts, intolerant to copper-based medications

• Molt Cycle: Will hide during molting and become vulnerable—do not disturb