Stenopus hispidus

(Olivier, 1811)

Vernacular names
English : Banded coral shrimp
French : Grande crevette nettoyeuse

Classification
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Family : Stenopodidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 9 cm in length. Unmistakable. Whole body and legs cover with spines and hairs. Pincers are very long, other legs are translucent. Pincers and body are white with bright red blotches and bands. Blue area on belly.

Range and habitat
The species has a wide range, occurring in tropical Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Caribbean Sea and in the Indo-Pacific from Red Sea to California. Lives in coral reefs near cracks and caves, often with sponges, to 40 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : This species has a huge range and, although often collected for the pet trade, remains globally very common. Habitat loss could be another threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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