Yellow Banded Shrimp - Stenopus cyanoscelis

Yellow Banded Shrimp (Stenopus cyanoscelis)

The Yellow Banded Shrimp is an eye-catching marine crustacean recognised for its bold yellow and white banding, long antennae and distinctive cleaner-shrimp appearance. Peaceful towards most fish but potentially territorial with similar shrimp, it spends much of its time around rockwork, caves and overhangs. It can make a striking addition to established marine aquariums where stable water quality and suitable shelter are provided.

Common Name:
Yellow Banded Shrimp, Yellow Banded Coral Shrimp

Scientific Name (Latin):
Stenopus cyanoscelis

Maximum Size:
Approximately 5–6 cm body length, excluding antennae

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Yellow Banded Shrimp occurs in tropical reef environments where it is typically associated with caves, crevices, rocky overhangs and sheltered reef structure.

It spends much of its time close to cover and may emerge more confidently during feeding or quieter periods.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Copper: Must be avoided

Temperament:
Peaceful to Territorial

The Yellow Banded Shrimp is generally peaceful towards fish but may become territorial towards other shrimp, particularly similar Stenopus species.

Keeping more than one should only be considered where sufficient space and separate territories are available.

Diet:
Omnivore / Scavenger

The Yellow Banded Shrimp feeds on small meaty foods, detritus and organic material found around the aquarium.

Offer a varied diet including frozen mysis, finely chopped prawn, krill and other suitable marine foods.

It may also pick at leftover food around rockwork and the substrate.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 75 litres

A larger aquarium is preferable where other shrimp or territorial invertebrates are also being maintained.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Yellow Banded Shrimp often spends much of the day beneath overhangs or within caves, with its long antennae extending out from its shelter.

It may become increasingly visible once settled and is often more active during feeding and quieter periods.

Provide plenty of secure rockwork and shaded retreats.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe With Caution

The Yellow Banded Shrimp is generally safe with healthy corals and established reef structures.

However, caution is advised with very small ornamental invertebrates or other shrimp, as territorial behaviour may occur.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry, good filtration and plenty of caves or crevices.

Avoid sudden changes in salinity or temperature, as marine shrimp can be sensitive to rapid parameter shifts.

Careful acclimation is recommended when introducing the shrimp to a new aquarium.

Copper-based medications must never be used, as copper is highly toxic to marine crustaceans.

Provide iodine and trace elements through a well-maintained marine system to support normal moulting.

Avoid housing with large predatory wrasses, hawkfish, triggerfish or other species likely to prey on ornamental shrimp.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the invert you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.