Coral Banded Shrimp Stenopus hispidus. The Coral Banded Shrimp is a colorful and curious addition to any reef tank drawing attention with its vibrant red and white stripes, extended pinchers, and lengthy antennae. Its spiky texture and lively movements as it scavenges for food adds dynamics to any reef tank. Coral Banded Shrimp like to dig into little crevices and holes with their long pincers, searching for leftover flaked and frozen foods. The Coral Banded Shrimp is often referred to as a "Boxer Shrimp" because of their large pincers which they hold up in front of their face like a boxer. The Coral BandedShrimp are generally peaceful towards tank mates like fish, corals, and otherinvertebrates. However, they can show aggression towards their own kind and smaller shrimp species. To prevent conflicts, it is advisable to house them either singly or as a mated pair. Coral Banded Shrimp are known for their unique habit of hanging upside down in shaded areas like caves or rock crevices, often revealing only their antennae. It's important to provide lots of space in the tank to ensure their long antennae don't bother other corals or anemones. When it's time to shed their exoskeleton, they tend to hide for a couple of days. The Coral Banded Shrimp requires stable iodine levels for healthy molting. Acclimating them slowly to the tank is crucial to avoid any shock.
