Banded scissor shrimp - Stenopus hispidus

Especially by their imposing size banded scissor shrimp, the Stenopus hispidus, are already very noticeable. Of all crustaceans, it was one of the first to be imported for the trade and has thus long been at home in aquaristics. Stenopus hispidus belongs to the order of decapod crustaceans and to the family of scissor shrimp(Stenopodidae), which includes several species. Since its first description in 1759, it has since been renamed and redescribed several times, so it is also referred to under other synonyms. The banded scissor shrimp is found in almost all oceans worldwide, its habitats range from Australia to the Gulf of Mexico, the Indo-Pacific, the Red Sea and the West Atlantic to the West Indian Ocean. Living up to depths of almost 300 meters, they live singly, but also in pairs and are also considered a cleaner shrimp, ridding fish of parasites and dead skin, but also a first aid against bristle worms. They are relatively easy to keep and are not too sensitive.

Banded scissor shrimp reach a size between 8-10 cm without cla ws, with males remaining slightly smaller . Their striking white and red bands explain their name. Unlike other decapod shrimp, their large claws are on the third pair of legs and not the first. Also located on the first and second pair of legs are claws, but less pronounced ones.

The scissor shrimp are separately sexual. Females can be identified not only by their size, but also by the distinct yellow-green egg spot on their neck. Banded scissor shrimp belong to the primitive reproductive type, the female carries the very tiny eggs under her body. Unfortunately, we do not know anything about successful breeding in the aquarium so far.

The aquarium for a pair of the rather nocturnal banded scissor shrimp should not be less than 100 liters. They should also be kept in pairs at most. Like all invertebrates, banded scissor shrimp are sensitive to density fluctuations and sometimes fatal to copper residues - especially the latter should be considered when treating the aquarium. The droplet method is a great way to acclimate the pretty pinchers to their new home, for this a Acclimation set very well. The shrimp sheds its skin regularly and during this time retreats into the caves and hiding places offered to it. In doing so, it sheds the old skin, which it will eventually eat. In order for it to harden its shell, it needs minerals, among other things. In addition to good water care, the water values should also be checked regularly with a Test-Set for seawater should be checked regularly. The banded scissor shrimp feels comfortable with these water values: salinity: 35 g/l, density: 1.023, KH 7-9 °dKH, pH 7.8-8.3, calcium: 400-430 mg/l, magnesium: 1,250-1,350 mg/l, temperature 24-26 °C. With its very distinctive claws it even collects bristle worms from the substrate and the reef and eats them.

The banded scissor shrimp is quite capable of defending itself. Furthermore it has the reputation to catch and eat shrimps and smaller fish. It should therefore only be used in a larger marine aquarium with large fish, if not in a species tank. It uses its long antennae to make contact with fish and begins preening them as soon as they hold still, signaling their willingness to groom.

As omnivores banded scissor shrimp can be easily fed with flake food or Zooplankton fish, but can also be fed with large Live food- or Frozen foods shrimp, mysis, nematodes or artemia.

Expert Tip: When keeping fish we recommend the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. Care Set provides the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.

Speciality: Bristle worm eater