If there’s one little reef resident that knows how to make an entrance, it’s the banded coral shrimp (Stenopus hispidus). With its candy-cane stripes and long white feelers waving about, it always looks like it’s putting on a show. But those antennae aren’t just for flair – they’re waved like neon signs to attract ‘customers’. Fish recognise the signal and queue up for a clean, holding still while the shrimp carefully picks off parasites, dead skin and stray bits of food.
This isn’t just a spa treatment – it’s vital for reef health. By keeping fish free of parasites and infections, cleaners like these shrimp help reduce stress and disease spreading through the reef community. Healthy fish make for a healthier reef.
They’re also surprisingly devoted partners. Once a pair finds each other, they often team up for life, sharing a burrow and working side by side. Females carry their bright green eggs under their abdomen until the larvae hatch and drift away in the plankton before settling back onto the reef to start the cycle again.
I found this one tucked under a ledge, antennae waving like a friendly welcome sign. Flashy, helpful and loyal – not a bad combo for a reef neighbour!
