Boxing Shrimp – Stenopus hispidus
The Boxing Shrimp, Stenopus hispidus, is a bold and instantly recognisable marine shrimp, admired for its red-and-white banded body, long white antennae and oversized clawed arms that give it its “boxing” appearance. Also commonly known as the Coral Banded Shrimp or Banded Cleaner Shrimp, this species is a long-standing favourite in marine aquariums thanks to its striking appearance, scavenging behaviour and occasional cleaning interactions with fish. It is reef safe with caution, but can be territorial towards other shrimp and very small tank mates.
Common Name:
Boxing Shrimp, Boxer Shrimp, Coral Banded Shrimp, Banded Coral Shrimp, Banded Cleaner Shrimp, Red Banded Coral Shrimp.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Stenopus hispidus |
| Common Names | Boxing Shrimp, Coral Banded Shrimp, Banded Cleaner Shrimp |
| Size | Approx. 2.5 to 3.5 cm (1 to 1.4 inches) |
| Temperament | Territorial; peaceful with larger fish, may attack small invertebrates or shrimp |
| Reef Safety | Reef safe with caution; avoid with small or slow-moving tank mates |
| Feeding | Scavenger; eats leftover food, algae, and small organic debris |
FAQ
Is the Boxing Shrimp safe to keep with other reef inhabitants?
The Boxing Shrimp is generally reef safe with caution. It may become territorial and attack small invertebrates or shrimp, so it’s best to keep it in a tank with larger, more active fish and avoid pairing it with very small or slow-moving species.
How does the Boxing Shrimp interact with other shrimp?
The Boxing Shrimp can be aggressive toward other shrimp, especially smaller ones. It may fight or dominate them, so it’s recommended to keep only one Boxing Shrimp per tank or ensure ample space and hiding spots.
What kind of diet does the Boxing Shrimp require?
The Boxing Shrimp is a scavenger and primarily feeds on leftover food, algae, and organic debris. It does not require special feeding but benefits from a varied diet including algae wafers and small bits of meaty foods.
Leah Short –
The Boxing Shrimp is a stunning addition to my reef tank. Its vibrant red and white banding stands out and it’s active, cleaning small bits of food from the rocks. I’ve had it for three months and it’s still healthy and curious. Just make sure to keep it alone or with larger fish to avoid conflicts.
Dylan Sharp –
Beautiful shrimp with a unique look. It helps keep the tank clean by eating leftover food. I noticed it occasionally interacts with my tang, which is a nice touch. However, it got aggressive with a small snail, so I removed that invertebrate. Good for experienced reef keepers.
Diana Murray –
Arrived quickly and the shrimp was active right away. It’s very colorful and seems to enjoy exploring the tank. I’ve observed it cleaning the glass and picking up small bits of detritus. A great visual focal point for a marine setup.