The Banded Coral Shrimp is also known as the Banded Cleaner Shrimp, Banded Boxing Shrimp, or Coral Banded Shrimp. S. hispidus has a red and white banded body with fairly long pinchers and an extra long white antennae. Its body has a prickly texture and length rarely exceeds 3 inches, 6 inches with the antennae. The male Banded Coral Shrimp is usually smaller. Members of the Stenopodidae are called "Boxing Shrimp" because of the large pinchers on their third set of legs. They often hold these pinchers erect, giving the appearance of a boxer ready to fight.

The Banded Coral Shrimp is perhaps the most widely distributed shrimp in the sea. It usually hangs upside-down in caves or crevices, with only its antennae emerging from the hole. While molting, it will often hide from sight for 1-2 days in the rocks of the reef.

It is a good aquarium inhabitant. Provide sufficient room to allow it to move without its long antennae touching neighboring corals or anemones. Banded Coral Shrimp must be kept singly, or as a true mated pair, being intolerant of other Banded Coral Shrimp. It may harass other smaller shrimp of different species. It is intolerant of high nitrates or copper levels, but iodine levels in the water must be correct to promote proper molting.

It is relatively hardy, but must be acclimated slowly to avoid any salinity and/or pH shock. Breeding the Banded Coral Shrimp is usually not successful. Larvae are generally destroyed by filtration and skimming.

In the wild, the Banded Coral Shrimp is a scavenger. In the home aquarium, it will accept most flaked and frozen foods.

Approximate Purchase Size:  3/4" to 2-1/2"