Stenopus hispidus
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| Stenopus hispidus (Olivier, 1811) |
Stenopus hispidus is a shrimp-like decapod crustacean, belonging to the infraorder Stenopodidea. Although it looks like a shrimp and has the word shrimp in its name, it is not a true shrimp. Common names include banded coral shrimp, banded boxer shrimp, banded prawn, coral banded shrimp and barber-pole shrimp.
Stenopus hispidus is a few centimetres long and has red bands around its body, and long, white antennae. The body is covered with short spines, which are used in defence. Like other decapods they can use the tail to escape backwards rapidly (the caridoid escape reaction). They are cleaner shrimp and hang around openings in the reef and sponges waiting for customers. Stenopus hispidus is a common aquarium pet, because of its cleaning activities. It removes dead tissue, algae and parasites from larger fish, and may even clean the fingernails of hands that are carefully reached towards it.
They like to hang upside down on rocks and shells. They are commonly found in anchialine pools and on coral reefs.
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