Yellow Banded Coral Shrimp (Stenopus cyanoscelis)

The Yellow Banded Coral Shrimp, also known as the Yellow Banded Boxer Shrimp, is a beautiful and distinctive marine invertebrate. Known for its bright yellow bands, long white claws, and blue legs, this shrimp makes a striking addition to reef tanks. As a hardy cleaner shrimp, it is known to help with pest control by feeding on small invertebrates and detritus. However, it can be territorial toward other shrimp and is best kept singly or as a mated pair.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 2.5 inches.
• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum; requires plenty of rockwork and caves for hiding.
• Diet: Omnivorous; primarily feeds on detritus, small invertebrates, and leftovers. It will accept a varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets, to ensure proper nutrition.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Semi-aggressive; while generally peaceful toward fish and corals, it can become territorial and aggressive toward other shrimp species, especially in smaller tanks.
• Skill Level: Beginner; hardy and easy to care for, suitable for aquarists of all experience levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe with caution; does not harm corals, but may pick at very small invertebrates. Best suited for peaceful reef tanks without other territorial shrimp.

Special Feature - Cleaner Shrimp Behavior
The Yellow Banded Coral Shrimp may occasionally exhibit cleaning behavior, feeding on detritus and small pests in the tank. While not as active a cleaner as some shrimp species, it contributes to a balanced ecosystem and helps control waste buildup.

Compatibility
This shrimp is generally reef-safe but can be territorial with other shrimp, especially in smaller setups. It does well with peaceful fish and is safe for most corals but may be aggressive toward other shrimp species.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Yellow Banded Coral Shrimp features bright yellow bands on its body, blue legs, and long white antennae, making it an attractive and visually striking addition to the tank​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Found in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in coral reef environments with rocky crevices and caves. In the aquarium, it prefers a stable, well-established tank with plenty of hiding places.