Coral Banded Shrimp

Regardless of their widespread title, the coral banded shrimp aren’t technically a shrimp however relatively a shrimp-like decapod crustacean. Nonetheless, this technicality would not cease the coral banded shrimp from being extremely common amongst many aquarists. Not solely do they add stunning colour to your tank, however they’re additionally extremely straightforward to handle.

Scientific Names

This group of shrimps consists of Stenopus hispidus (Pink and White Banded Coral Shrimp), S. scutellatus (Golden Coral Shrimp), S. zanzibaricus (Yellow Banded Coral Shrimp), S. tenuirostris (Blue or Purple Banded Coral Shrimp).

Different Widespread Names

Coral Banded Shrimps, and Banded Prawns.

Dimension

The Coral Banded Shrimp species differ in measurement from two to 4 inches in size with the male being the smaller of a mated pair.

Distribution

Tropical seas all through the Indo-Pacific area and the Caribbean.

Identification

All Banded Coral Shrimps are marked with the attribute vibrant crimson and white bands on their physique and pincer claws, with the legs and antennae being white, aside from the S. zanzibaricus species that are crimson. The entrance pair of legs are geared up with a pair of pincers that are bigger than the pincers on the second pair of legs. The third pair of legs haven’t any pincers. The Coral Banded Shrimp will regrow misplaced legs throughout its subsequent molt.

The coloration of the shrimp’s carapace is the place species differ because the S. hispidus is white.

Traits

Stenopus hispidus will get alongside properly with most fish and invertebrates (see exceptions, under) in an aquarium. Nonetheless, triggerfish and plenty of eels will dine on Coral Banded Shrimp when given the chance. Within the wild, this shrimp prefers to reside in caves and on the underside of overhangs and can actively clear fish, when offered with parasites.

Within the wild, the Coral Banded Shrimp is nocturnal, hiding beneath ledges and in caves through the day and feeding at evening. These shrimps reside in monogamy and are considerably territorial, defending an space of 1 to 2 meters in diameter in opposition to different crustaceans and specifically different Coral Banded Shrimps. If one other Coral Banded Shrimp enters its territory, it should defend it, with one or the opposite shrimp dropping legs and pincers within the battle that can comply with.

Throughout mating, the male will first show a courtship dance in entrance of the feminine. The male then transfers a sperm sack to the freshly molted feminine which quickly will inseminate the eggs and stick them to the stomach legs. The younger hatch after 16 days. The hatchlings will probably be connected to their mom for about six weeks earlier than they detach, float to the floor of the water and change into a part of the plankton and drifting within the ocean currents. After some weeks and several other molts, the younger descend from the plankton and settle to the underside and discover a darkish place to cover. The Coral Banded Shrimp could reside 2 to three years, generally longer.

Again after we used to gather and ship tropical fish on the island of Moloka’i, we at all times knew that we may discover Coral Banded Shrimp in numbers at evening, hanging on the vertical partitions of the wharf. If we would have liked mated pairs (in excessive demand on the Mainland) we must discover pairs of shrimp that have been inside a foot or so from one another. We might accumulate them and hold them collectively in a cup earlier than delivery them the subsequent morning. Evidently the Coral Banded Shrimps mate at a younger age and when one of many pair turns into misplaced the remaining shrimp won’t settle for one other mate.

Eating regimen

Stenopus hispidus is a scavenger by nature and can take most meaty meals. Will readily devour Polychaete Worms when they’re current. Within the wild, this shrimp will feed on algae, detritus, and carrion in addition to parasites which it picks from fish.

Aquarium Suitability

It’s aggressive in direction of different shrimp and crustaceans. It additionally preys on worms, snails and small hermit crabs. Being a nocturnal animal, the Coral Banded Shrimp significantly prefers the safety of a cave or overhang through the day. In an aquarium, they do greatest if they’ve a spot to cover through the day.

Shrimps typically and Coral Banded Shrimps, specifically, are very delicate to shifts in water chemistry, with drastic modifications in pH being a chief killer when placing a shrimp into an aquarium. For that reason, take your time when acclimating shrimps. The drip line technique appears to work the perfect for growing survival.