Blue Boxer Shrimp Stenopus tenuirostris

The Blue Coral Banded Shrimp differs in having blue on the abdomen and legs, and it's also much less frequently available than the regularly seen coral banded shrimp. These popular shrimps are easy to keep and are great in reef tanks. They require no special care once acclimated, and the will eat about anything offered. They may also eat bristleworms. (hurray!) Like all shrimps, they require careful acclimation.Hardy, but must be acclimated slowly to avoid any salinity and/or pH shock. These animals are known to sometimes loose claws or legs during shipping but no worries, they will grow back after the next molt.

All of the Coral Banded Shrimp family are relatively hardy and stay small enough to fit into just about any home aquarium. Coral Banded Shrimp are found in caves, or small holes, or crevices, with only their antennae showing. Healthy Coral Banded Shrimp will Molt quite often when healthy. Since they have an exoskeleton they must Molt to grow larger. When the Coral Banded Shrimp has recently molted the Coral Banded Shrimp will hide from all for a few days.

Members of the Stenopodidae family which are all the Coral Banded Shrimp varieties are all also sometimes called "Boxing Shrimp" because the pinchers on their third set of legs are for the most part "up and out" giving the Coral Banded Shrimp family the appearance of a boxer ready to throw the first punch. Though the Coral Banded Shrimp family can be aggressive towards other Coral Banded Shrimp, they are for the most part peaceful towards all fish, corals, and invertebrates. Because of their aggressive disposition towards each other, there should only be one Coral Banded Shrimp to the saltwater aquarium. The only way to house two Coral Banded Shrimp is to find a mated pair. They can be purchased but of course are harder to find. If desired and you find a pair jump on it because they are hard for the aquarium outlets to get a hold of.

 Coral Banded Shrimp shrimp are omnivores that will eat anything meaty and some greens. They will graze from one end to another end of the tank on microalgae's. But upon introducing a few pellets or a tasty morsel of some sort they head straight for it. Generally any kind of sinking pellet will do.