Gold Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus Zanzibaricus)

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Yellow

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Max. Size : 2½"

Origin : Caribbean, Indonesia, Maldives

Family : Stenopodidae

Supplements : Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements

Gold Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus Zanzibaricus), commonly known as the Banded Shrimp or Golden Coral Shrimp, is a boxer shrimp, a shrimp-like decapod crustacean belonging to the family Stenopodidae. 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.

The Gold Banded Coral Shrimp has a yellow body, red and white striped abdomen, yellow spiny carapace, and long white antennae. Stenopus Spinosus can grow up to 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long. They are pretty easy to care for even for beginners.

The minimum tank size recommended for one banded coral shrimp is 20 gallons . These shrimp aren’t shy, though they like to stay tucked away in the cracks and crevices in rocks on the aquarium floor. 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 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.

Size: Small 3/4" to 1-1/4" Medium 1 1/4" to 1 3/4" Large 1 3/4" to 2 1/2"