Page 295 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

CRUSTACEANS 293

Stenopus hispidus
Coral Banded Shrimp

ORIGINS Found on tropical reefs throughout the world’s
oceans, particularly the Pacific.
SIZE Body is 2 ⁄2 in (6 cm) long.
1
DIET Meat-based foods. If frozen supplies are used, make
sure that the food is thawed completely before use.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
The ancestors of these shrimp were present in
the oceans more than 10 million years ago,
when North and South America were still
unattached continents. As the land
bridge formed, the populations in the
tropical regions of the Pacific and Atlantic became
separated, resulting in different color forms and
new species in different locations. Female Coral
Banded Shrimp are larger than males. They also
have bright red banding on their upperparts, which
appears brownish in males. Keep these shrimp in
true pairs, if not singly, because otherwise they will
fight to the death. Tankmates need to be chosen
carefully because these invertebrates will prey on
other shrimp and smaller fish. The male Coral
Banded Shrimp is unusual in that he collects food
for the female and actively feeds her in a cave. She
signals by clicking her pincers, and he responds by
passing over food.

Synalpheus species Thor amboinensis
Pistol Shrimp Pistol Shrimp have one enlarged claw that can Broken-Back Shrimp
produce a loud noise like a gunshot when it snaps
ORIGINS Present in various forms in the Indo-Pacific, together. The “shot” is so loud that it may sound as ORIGINS Widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific
from the Red Sea to Japan and Hawaii. if the tank has shattered. Pistol Shrimp use these region, including off the island of Amboina, Indonesia.
SIZE Body is 1 ⁄2 in (4 cm) long. sound blasts to stun small prey. If the pistol claw SIZE Body is ⁄4 in (2 cm) long.
1
3
DIET Small live foods and food tablets. As always, avoid is lost, the other claw will enlarge to compensate DIET Thawed or freeze-dried live foods. Offer food in
overfeeding, since uneaten food will pollute the water. while the damaged limb regrows. Another key proximity to the host anemone.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline feature of Pistol Shrimp is their small eyes, which WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. are partially obscured by the protective carapace. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
This crustacean can be distinguished by its bold
markings of dull orange and white and by the way
in which it keeps its hindquarters raised above the
rear of its body. It typically lives in association with
Heteractis sea anemones, among which it scavenges
for food. The Broken-Back Shrimp
usually lies on top of its host, rather
than retreating into its tentacles.

US_292-293_Crustaceans_2.indd 293 29/08/18 4:10 PM