Banded Coral Shrimp The Banded Coral Shrimp, Stenopus hispidus
is a decapod crustacean, resembling shrimp. It is classified in
the infraorder Stenopodidea. More familiar names for this
species include Banded Boxer Shrimp, Banded Prawn, Coral Banded
Shrimp and Barber-pole Shrimp. This crustacean looks like a
shrimp and even shares the common name shrimp, however, it is
not truly shrimp. The shrimp-like crustacean is less than an
inch long with red bands wrapping his body, and long, white
antennae upon his head. To defend itself from predators, its
body is covered with short, sharp spines. Decapods use their
tail to move backwards very quickly to escape danger. Unlike
true shrimp that dwell on muddy bottoms to feed, the banded
coral shrimp are much cleaner and prefer to dwell in openings in
the reef as well as sponges. The crustacean is a popular
aquarium pet because of its cleaning reputation. It is capable
of removing dead tissue, and algae and parasites from other
comrade fish in the tank. The banded coral s