Zanzibar Coral Shrimp

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the Indo-Pacific, especially around East Africa and Zanzibar, inhabiting shallow reef caves and rocky crevices.

Taxonomy: Part of the Stenopodidae family. It has a small, spiny body, long white antennae, and prominent red-and-white claws.

Social Behavior: Highly territorial. Will fight other coral shrimps of the same sex. Should be kept singly or in mated pairs which defend their territory.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Features a golden-yellow body with white and red banded claws. Females are slightly larger when carrying eggs.

Tank Setup: A well-structured aquarium of at least 10 gallons with plenty of live rock shelters is necessary for this species.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on fish parasites, organic detritus, and leftovers. Offer small frozen foods like brine shrimp and mysis.

Water Quality: Demands clean marine conditions: pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 22-28°C, salinity 1.023-1.025, and zero tolerance for copper.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Reef safe. Avoid keeping with larger predatory fish or with other species of *Stenopus* due to aggressive territoriality.

Aquarium Breeding: Mated pairs spawn regularly. Rearing the larvae is very difficult due to their planktonic stage and specific feeding requirements.

Risks and Diseases: Vulnerable during molting. Loss of claws is a common injury but they will regenerate over subsequent molts. Incompatible with copper.