Gold Banded Coral Shrimp

General information

The Gold Banded Coral Shrimp is a beautiful colored variation of the traditional Coral Banded Shrimp. They are relatively rare in the aquarium trade. They can be highly productive tank members as they are known to devour the pesky bristle worms. Given their voracious appetite, the Golden Coral Banded Shrimp will eat almost anything. It is very similar to the regular Coral Banded Shrimp- however, they do not grow to the same size. Gold Coral Band shrimp stay small, reaching 2 inches at maturity.

The Gold Banded Coral Shrimp has a yellow body, white chelae, and a red and white banded abdomen. Members of the Stenopodidae family are called “Boxing Shrimp” because of their large pinchers on their third set of legs. They often hold these pinchers erect, giving the appearance of a boxer ready to fight. Sufficient room should be provided in the tank to allow the Gold Banded Coral Shrimp to move without its long antennae touching neighboring corals or anemones. The Gold Banded Coral Shrimp must be kept singly, or as a true mated pair, being intolerant of others of the same species. It may also harass other smaller shrimp of different species.

The Golden Coral Banded Shrimp will hang out among the rocks so they are best kept in tanks with plenty of rockwork. They will frequently lose their exoskeleton during a molting process as they grow. They can actually provide a little bit of a pinch to humans so be careful when handling. They can live as a pair. Overall, they are one of the most fascinating shrimps to watch as they are incredibly active, attractive and proficient predators. 

It is relatively hardy but must be acclimated slowly using the Drip Method to avoid any salinity and/or pH shock. It is intolerant of high nitrates or copper levels, but iodine levels in the water must be correct to promote proper molting.

This species is able to remove parasites from fish. It does not have a great impact on a large outbreak of marine ich (Cryptocaryon), for example, but it contributes towards keeping fish parasite free.

In the wild, the Gold Banded Coral Shrimp feeds on parasites, dead tissue removed from fish, and other tiny organisms. In the home aquarium, it will accept most flaked and frozen foods, plankton, and meaty items. Banded Coral Shrimp are also effective bristleworm hunters in the reef aquarium, helping to keep the population of these pests under control.

Breeding the Gold Banded Coral Shrimp is usually not successful. Larvae are generally destroyed by filtration and skimming.

East Indian Ocean, The Mexican Golf

It is intolerant of high nitrates or copper levels, but iodine levels in the water must be correct to promote proper molting.

It is relatively hardy but must be acclimated slowly using the Drip Method to avoid any salinity and/or pH shock.