Blue Coral Banded Shrimp

The Blue Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus sp.) is an Indo-Pacific boxer shrimp with the same bold, territorial personality as the classic Coral Banded Shrimp. It is reef safe and moderate to care for. Read the Blue Coral Banded Shrimp care guide before adding one to a tank with other shrimp.

Also known as the blue boxer shrimp or purple coral banded shrimp, Stenopus tenuirostris is a rarer and more colorful relative of the classic coral banded shrimp. Its body shines in deep blue to violet, while its long claws carry bold red-and-white bands and its antennae trail out in fine white strands.

Smaller and more reclusive than the common coral banded shrimp, it spends much of the day in the shadows of caves and overhangs. At dusk it emerges to scavenge, and it will sometimes clean passing fish, making it a rewarding centerpiece invertebrate for a peaceful reef.

Quick Care Guide

Care Level: Moderate
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperament: Territorial
Diet: Carnivorous Scavenger
Reef Safe: Yes, with caution toward small shrimp
Adult Size: About 1.5–2 inches
Region: Indo-Pacific
Scientific Name: Stenopus tenuirostris

Tank Requirements

Offer an established aquarium with plenty of caves, ledges, and shaded overhangs. This shrimp claims a home base and stays close to it, so a secure retreat is essential for it to feel comfortable enough to come out during feeding.

Stable water quality is important, particularly during molts. The shrimp may hide for a day or two while its new shell hardens.

Diet and Feeding

Feed small portions of mysis, chopped shrimp, krill, clam, and quality sinking pellets three to four times per week. Target-feeding near its cave with tongs or a baster ensures the shrimp gets its share, since it is shyer than most tankmates.

Temperament and Tankmates

Keep only one Blue Coral Banded Shrimp per tank unless you have a mated pair. Like other Stenopus species, it can be aggressive toward other banded shrimp and may harass smaller cleaner shrimp.

It is best housed with peaceful fish. Avoid hawkfish, lionfish, triggerfish, puffers, and large wrasses.

Reef Compatibility

This shrimp is reef safe with corals and clams. Its territorial nature toward other small shrimp is the main compatibility concern.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Drip acclimate over 45–60 minutes and keep salinity steady. Invertebrates are highly sensitive to copper, and copper-treated water or medications should never be added to an aquarium that houses them.

Common Considerations

• More reclusive than other banded shrimp: Expect it to spend daylight hours near its cave.

• One per tank: Mixing banded shrimp often leads to fighting.

• Target-feed: Direct feeding keeps this shy shrimp in good condition.

• Molts are normal: A shed exoskeleton is a healthy sign, not a dead shrimp.