Purple Coral Banded Shrimp (CBS)
Purple Coral Banded Shrimp (CBS) (Stenopus sp.).
Available for local pickup only
Meet the Purple Coral Banded Shrimp — a rare and eye-catching variation of the classic CBS that brings striking purple hues and bold personality to your reef tank.
Known for their vivid banded claws, long white antennae, and iconic “boxing” stance, these hardy shrimp are fascinating to watch as they patrol your rockwork, adding color and natural reef behavior to your aquarium.
Key Care Information
✅ Size: Up to 2–4 inches long (plus antennae)
✅ Temperament: Semi-aggressive — territorial with its own kind but peaceful with corals and fish
✅ Reef Safe: 100% reef safe for corals and clams. May harass other shrimp if housed too closely.
✅ Diet: Omnivorous scavenger — loves leftover fish food, frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and other meaty bits. Target feeding helps keep them healthy and calm.
✅ Behavior: Prefers caves and crevices for hiding during the day — becomes more active at night or when lights dim.
Description
Specifications
Video Links
User Manual
Purple Coral Banded Shrimp (CBS)
Available for local pickup only
📌 Identification
The Purple Coral Banded Shrimp is a beautiful color morph of the well-known Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus or similar species). It has all the same hardy, entertaining qualities — but with deeper, richer colors that make it extra eye-catching under reef lighting.
✅ Appearance:
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Similar body shape and banded claws as the classic CBS, but with striking purple or lavender hues along the body and bands.
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Long flowing white antennae.
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Grows to about 2–4 inches long (excluding antennae).
Behavior & Personality
Just like the standard CBS, the Purple Coral Banded Shrimp is known for its bold “boxing” stance and semi-aggressive territorial behavior.
✅ Mostly nocturnal or active at dusk — loves to perch upside down in caves and crevices during the day.
✅ A natural scavenger — picks at leftover meaty foods and sometimes removes dead tissue from fish, though it’s not a true cleaner shrimp.
✅ Reef Safety
✔️ 100% reef safe — won’t harm corals, clams, or healthy fish.
❗ May chase or fight with other shrimp, especially other CBS if the tank is small. Best kept singly or as a bonded pair in a spacious tank.
✅ Care Level
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Difficulty: Easy — hardy and beginner-friendly once acclimated.
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Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger.
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Diet: Omnivore — eats leftover fish food, frozen mysis or brine shrimp, chopped seafood. Target feeding helps reduce aggression and keeps them healthy.
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Behavior: Territorial — will claim a cave or crevice and defend it with its large claws.
Water Conditions
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Temperature: 72–78°F
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Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Good flow, stable reef water parameters — no copper-based treatments!
Tank Mates
✅ Good with peaceful reef fish, snails, hermit crabs, and corals.
❌ Avoid housing with other Coral Banded Shrimp unless they’re a true pair.
❌ Not suited for tanks with large predatory fish that might eat shrimp.
Fun Fact
The Purple CBS’s unusual coloration makes it highly sought after by hobbyists who want something different from the standard red-and-white version — under reef lights, its purple tones glow beautifully and add an extra pop of color to darker rock crevices.