Banded Coral Shrimp

Banded Coral Shrimp: The 'Boxer' of the Reef Tank

The Banded Coral Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) is one of the most recognizable and widespread shrimp species in the marine aquarium hobby. It is known for its distinctive red and white banded body, large claws, and long, elegant white antennae.

Often referred to as the "Boxer Shrimp" because of its habit of holding its large, third pair of claws high, this shrimp is an opportunistic scavenger and a popular, hardy addition to most saltwater systems.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Banded Coral Shrimp is a Carnivore/Scavenger. In the wild, it acts as a facultative cleaner, removing parasites and dead tissue from cooperative fish. In the aquarium, it will readily consume uneaten fish food, algae, detritus, and can help control bristleworm populations.
• Feeding: Supplement its scavenging with meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, chopped fish, or invertebrate pellets 2–3 times per week, especially if it does not have enough detritus or leftovers to forage on. A hungry shrimp is more likely to become aggressive.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe With Caution. While generally safe with most corals, this shrimp is an opportunistic feeder and may occasionally pinch at soft or fleshy corals, or steal food directly from anemones and corals.
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Highly Territorial. This is a solitary or mated-pair-only species. It is extremely intolerant of its own kind and other shrimp species (like Peppermint or Cleaner Shrimp) and will fight them to the death. Only keep a single specimen or a confirmed, monogamous mated pair. It is generally peaceful toward most fish, but its large claws make it a potential threat to very small or sickly fish and tiny crustaceans (e.g., small hermit crabs, snails).
• Environment: Requires a minimum tank size of 20–30 gallons to establish territory. Needs plenty of live rock, caves, and crevices as hiding spots, as it is primarily nocturnal and often hangs upside down in its chosen spot during the day. Like all inverts, it is highly sensitive to fluctuations in water chemistry, especially copper and high nitrate levels. Maintaining proper iodine levels is crucial for successful molting.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Stenopus hispidus
• Primary Common Name: Banded Coral Shrimp
• Other Common Names: Boxer Shrimp, Banded Cleaner Shrimp, Barber-Pole Shrimp
• Origin: Pan-Tropical Distribution (Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans)
• Max Size: Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) body length; 6+ inches including antennae
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Highly Territorial
• Diet: Carnivore/Scavenger
• Care Level: Easy-Medium (Hardy, but sensitive to water chemistry changes)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (May pinch corals or steal food)
• Tankmates to Avoid: Other shrimp (unless a mated pair), Triggers, Lionfish, Groupers, Eels.