Gold Banded Coral Shrimp

Gold Banded Coral Shrimp (Stenopus zanzibaricus)

Appearance & Behavior

Long antennae and prominent claws frame this cave-dwelling, territorial shrimp. Gold-toned markings distinguish this smaller coral-shrimp listing.

Quick Care Guide

• Care level: moderate; stable marine conditions and reliable feeding required.
• Adult size: approximately 1–2 inches body length, excluding extended antennae.
• Minimum aquarium: approximately 20 gallons as a conservative starting point for one individual; use more space for compatible additional animals.
• Diet: omnivore with a substantial marine animal-food component.
• Reef compatibility: with caution; other shrimp and small animals may be attacked.
• Temperature: approximately 72–78°F for suitable tropical stock; confirm source requirements.
• Specific gravity: approximately 1.023–1.025; maintain stable salinity.
• pH: 8.1–8.4.
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH; prioritize stability.
• Habitat needs: secure rock crevices and sheltered molting sites.

Aquarium Setup & Compatibility

Provide a fully cycled, established marine aquarium with good gas exchange, stable temperature and salinity, guarded intakes, and access for controlled feeding. Provide multiple retreats and avoid forcing the animal to remain exposed during rest or molting.

Keep singly or as an established compatible pair, not an assumed pair assembled from two strangers. Territorial conflicts can cause serious injuries to other shrimp. Avoid shrimp-eating triggers, puffers, predatory wrasses, hawkfish, and other animals large enough to swallow or injure it. Cleaning behavior does not guarantee protection from a predator.

Reef & Invertebrate Compatibility

Often leaves coral tissue alone, but prominent claws and territorial behavior can threaten other shrimp, worms, or small vulnerable animals. Reef-safe does not mean peaceful.

Feeding

Offer varied frozen mysis, finely chopped marine seafood, and suitably sized quality marine omnivore or crustacean preparations. Deliver a small portion near its refuge if faster fish take every meal.

Offer controlled portions regularly, usually daily for ornamental shrimp, adjusting to actual intake and body condition; larger mantis shrimp require an age-appropriate schedule rather than indiscriminate heavy daily feeding. Do not assume leftover fish food, cleaning behavior, or natural hunting meets all nutritional needs. Observe intake and avoid fouling the aquarium with excessive food.

Introduction & Long-Term Care

Acclimate carefully to temperature and salinity using a method appropriate to transport conditions, and introduce near suitable shelter with subdued lighting. Transfer gently in a suitable container when practical, avoiding damage to antennae and appendages.

Shrimp become especially vulnerable while molting. Provide undisturbed refuge and do not pull away an old shell or force an animal from its shelter. An empty molt can look like a dead shrimp; check the animal’s location and condition before making that assumption.

Maintain mineral balance through testing and appropriate marine maintenance. Do not dose iodine or other additives blindly or use them as a presumed cure for a failed molt. Avoid copper-based treatments and confirm medication safety for the species before use. Investigate persistent food refusal, injury, unusual weakness, or repeated molting trouble with experienced aquatic-veterinary guidance.