Stenopus hispidus
Due to
variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78?
F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Origin: Caribbean, Cebu,
Hawaii, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Sumatra
Family: Stenopodidae
Supplements: Calcium,
Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements
The Boxer Shrimp catches the eyes of most aquarists with
their beautiful coloration and body shape. It has striking red and white bands
across its body with fairly long pinchers and extra long white antennae.
Combined with its prickly body texture, this peaceful member of the
Stenopodidae family brings interest to any marine aquarium. However, most
hobbyists praise Stenopus hispidus for its active nature as it scampers around
the aquarium in search of food.
Interestingly, members of the Stenopodidae family are
known as "Boxing Shrimp" because of the large pinchers on their third
set of legs. These pinchers are often held erect and give the Boxer Shrimp the
appearance of a boxer ready to fight. Though the Boxer Shrimp can be aggressive
towards other Boxer Shrimp and smaller shrimp of different species, most are
peaceful towards fish, corals, and invertebrates within your aquarium. Because
of its aggressive disposition towards other Boxer Shrimp, the Boxer Shrimp
should be housed individually or kept as a true mated pair.
Native to the oceans of Indonesia, Stenopus hispidus is
perhaps the most widely distributed shrimp in the sea. It usually hangs
upside-down in caves or crevices, with only its antennae emerging from the
hole. While molting, the Boxer Shrimp will often hide from sight for 1-2 days
in the rocks of the reef. In the home aquarium, provide sufficient room for the
Boxer Shrimp so it can move about freely without its long antennae touching
neighboring corals or anemones.
The Boxer Shrimp is relatively hardy and boasts an
aquarium-suited length that rarely exceeds 3 inches, 6 inches with the
antennae. The male Boxer Shrimp is usually smaller. Breeding the Boxer Shrimp
is usually not successful. Larvae generally succumb to filtration and skimming.
Like other invertebrates, the Boxer Shrimp is intolerant
of high nitrate or copper levels. Be sure to maintain proper iodine levels in
the aquarium to help ensure proper molting. The Boxer Shrimp must be acclimated
slowly to avoid any salinity and/or pH shock.
In the wild, the Boxer Shrimp is a scavenger. In the home
aquarium, it will accept most flaked and frozen foods.