Stenopus Tenuirostris - Banded Coral Shrimp

The Blue Banded Coral Shrimp, also known as the Blue Coral or Blue Boxing Shrimp, has a blue body, while the chelae and abdomen have red and sometimes white and red bands. These shrimp are ideal for any size invertebrate or reef aquarium, and will perform a cleaning function picking parasites and dead tissue from fish. Banded Coral Shrimp are also effective bristleworm hunters in the reef aquarium, helping to keep the population of these pests under control.

The Blue Banded Coral Shrimp should be kept singly in smaller aquariums. It is relatively hardy, but must be acclimated slowly to avoid any salinity and/or pH shock. It is intolerant of high nitrates or copper levels, and iodine levels in the water must be correct to promote proper molting.

Breeding the Blue Banded Coral Shrimp is usually not successful. Larvae are generally destroyed by filtration and skimming.

In the wild, the Blue 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.