CBS/MAM

Coral Banded Shrimp
By Edward Adam Jackson

photo by Richard Ling

Common Names:
Coral Banded Shrimp, Boxer Shrimp, Banded Reef Prawn, Barber Pole Shrimp
Latin/Scientific Names/Species: Stenopus Hispidus

Classifications

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Super Order: Eucarida
Order: Decapoda

Suborder: Natantia
Infraorder (Family): Stenopodidea
Genus: Mikogeophagus

Appearance, Locales and Habitat:
As with all crustaceans S. Hispidus has a head with five pair of apendages. How these appendages are organized is as follows; “the first two as pairs of antennae, the third pair as mandibles (grinding, crushing mouth parts), followed by two pair of accessory feeding appendages, the maxillae.” –Bob Fenner. S. Hispidus typically is associated with multiple pairs of long white antenna, and a white body that is segmented with red or violet stripes. The first pair of “legs” on the banded shrimp are an exaggerated set of(compared to other genus of shrimp/prawns) pincers, that the species often locks into a forward position when not actively utilizing them. Body length can reportedly reach up to three inches, though a range of two to two and a half inches is much more common. S. Hispidus will grow through successive and successful moltings. The female is typically larger than the male in a mated pair, having broader shoulders, if you see green eggs on the underside of one of the pair, then identification is that much easier. Regarding distribution, they can be found the tropical and pan tropical areas of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian ocean, a large range. Within their niche, coral banded shrimp typically seek refuge underneath a rock or “cave”, an overhang usually within a range of 0 to 40 yards. A pair will often stay within a radius of one to two meters for up to a year, once they find a reliable locale (cleaning station, food).

Set Up (Care and Diet) Tank mates:
First and foremost, selecting your specimen, keep in mind that if your local livestock traders only have a singular pair you may want to hold out for a mated pair. It is my anecdotal experience that mated pairs build up a quicker comfort level in captivity, and will be bolder in exploring their new environment. If you decide to purchase a single specimen, then it is imperative that you leave them that way and do not attempt to form your own pair. When selecting a specimen do not be detured by an otherwise active and healthy shrimp that is mixing a leg or pincher. These are often minor injuries that appear more serious then they are, they are typically regenerated through molting. As far as water quality, Coral Banded Shrimp are among the hardiest of all marine shrimp for the home aquaria. They often reign from tidal zones they can handle a wide variety of water conditions, but keep the parameters within acceptable levels and the dissolved organics down to a minimal.

CBS are non-obligated cleaner shrimp, which means, the practice of cleaning (removing dead parasites and flesh) from other animals is not a crucial or necessary aspect of their survival. However due to their cleaning behavior they are often “tolerated” by animals (such as moray eels) that would normally prey on them, this does not mean they are immune to it, I wouldn’t trust them (as in not to be eaten) in a large fish only or predator tank.

In regards to other shrimp and crustaceans, CBS, need their space. If they feel their territory is threatened they literally will rip other crustaceans limb to limb. Smaller fish are often ignored, but not always (watch out for those smaller gobys). Do not rely solely on the shrimps’ cleaning behavior or it’s ability as a detritivore to sustain it’s dietary needs. Provide meats of a marine origin as well as a quality sinking (one that contains spirulina or nori) pellet, several times a week

Reproduction
The mating starts with of a compatible pair, the designated male will start to “dance” and postulate the female until he can position himself above her to relieve his sperm sack. The sperm sack is given to the female to be released at a later date and fertilize the eggs which are carried on her underside. . When the young hatch they will continue to live and be attached to the mother for upwards of six weeks until they become pelagic plankton in the water column, until several weeks of successive moltings’ when they settle back down to the benthic regions. Typically the result is a good source of nutrition for the mixed reef tank containing cnidaria.

The Point:
If given their “space” coral banded shrimp make a great and colorful addition to the mixed reef tank. They also make a good species only display in nano aquaria.

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