stenopus zanzibaricus (reef safe)

The Gold Banded Coral Shrimp has a yellow body, white chelae, and a red and white banded abdomen. Members of the Stenopodidae family are called "Boxing Shrimp" because of their large pinchers on their third set of legs. They often hold these pinchers erect, giving the appearance of a boxer ready to fight. Sufficient room should be provided in the tank to allow the Gold Banded Coral Shrimp to move without its long antennae touching neighboring corals or anemones. The Gold Banded Coral Shrimp must be kept singly, or as a true mated pair, being intolerant of others of the same species. It may also harass other smaller shrimp of different species. It is relatively hardy, but must be acclimated slowly using the Drip Method to avoid any salinity and/or pH shock. It is intolerant of high nitrates or copper levels, but iodine levels in the water must be correct to promote proper molting. Breeding the Gold Banded Coral Shrimp is usually not successful. Larvae are generally destroyed by filtration and skimming. In the wild, the Gold Banded Coral Shrimp feeds on parasites, dead tissue removed from fish, and other tiny organisms. In the home aquarium, it will accept most flaked and frozen foods, plankton, and meaty items. Banded Coral Shrimp are also effective bristleworm hunters in the reef aquarium, helping to keep the population of these pests under control.