Difficulty: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Latin Name: Stenopus hispidus
Common Names: Coral Banded Shrimp, BC Shrimp
Max Size: ~4 inches
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Diet: Primarily meaty foods (mysis, brine, small sinking meaty pellets)
The Banded Coral Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) is one of the most iconic ornamental shrimp in the marine aquarium hobby, instantly recognizable by its red-and-white banded arms, long white antennae, and wide, defensive stance. Reaching up to 4 inches in size, this hardy and eye-catching shrimp makes an excellent addition to most reef tanks and cleanup crews.
Despite its delicate appearance, the Banded Coral Shrimp is semi-aggressive, especially toward other shrimp or very small fish, so careful selection of tankmates is recommended. However, it remains fully reef safe, posing no threat to corals or clams.
In addition to its ornamental value, this shrimp is known to consume certain nuisance pests, including bristle worms, leftover food, and detritus, providing both beauty and function in your aquarium.
Thrives in stable, well-oxygenated tanks with plenty of rockwork and hiding areas
May show territorial behavior toward other shrimp—best kept singly or as a bonded pair
No risk to corals; compatible with most peaceful to moderately active reef fish
Will feed on leftover food, small pests, and detritus, helping maintain tank cleanliness
Prefers meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, chopped seafood blends, or carnivore pellets
Hardy, beginner-friendly species
Striking red-and-white coloration
Excellent addition to cleanup crews
Known predator of nuisance bristle worms
Fully reef-safe and long-lived with proper care
Reef keepers seeking a hardy, reef-safe ornamental shrimp
Aquariums needing help controlling bristle worms and detritus
Hobbyists who want a bold, eye-catching invertebrate with strong personality
Tanks 30 gallons and larger with ample rockwork and hiding spaces
Experienced and beginner reef keepers comfortable with semi-aggressive invertebrates
Difficulty: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Latin Name: Stenopus hispidus
Common Names: Coral Banded Shrimp, BC Shrimp
Max Size: ~4 inches
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Diet: Primarily meaty foods (mysis, brine, small sinking meaty pellets)
The Banded Coral Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) is one of the most iconic ornamental shrimp in the marine aquarium hobby, instantly recognizable by its red-and-white banded arms, long white antennae, and wide, defensive stance. Reaching up to 4 inches in size, this hardy and eye-catching shrimp makes an excellent addition to most reef tanks and cleanup crews.
Despite its delicate appearance, the Banded Coral Shrimp is semi-aggressive, especially toward other shrimp or very small fish, so careful selection of tankmates is recommended. However, it remains fully reef safe, posing no threat to corals or clams.
In addition to its ornamental value, this shrimp is known to consume certain nuisance pests, including bristle worms, leftover food, and detritus, providing both beauty and function in your aquarium.
Thrives in stable, well-oxygenated tanks with plenty of rockwork and hiding areas
May show territorial behavior toward other shrimp—best kept singly or as a bonded pair
No risk to corals; compatible with most peaceful to moderately active reef fish
Will feed on leftover food, small pests, and detritus, helping maintain tank cleanliness
Prefers meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, chopped seafood blends, or carnivore pellets
Hardy, beginner-friendly species
Striking red-and-white coloration
Excellent addition to cleanup crews
Known predator of nuisance bristle worms
Fully reef-safe and long-lived with proper care
Reef keepers seeking a hardy, reef-safe ornamental shrimp
Aquariums needing help controlling bristle worms and detritus
Hobbyists who want a bold, eye-catching invertebrate with strong personality
Tanks 30 gallons and larger with ample rockwork and hiding spaces
Experienced and beginner reef keepers comfortable with semi-aggressive invertebrates
