Coral banded shrimp, also known as candy cane shrimp, barber pole shrimp, or clown shrimp, are a popular species of shrimp kept in saltwater aquariums. With their striking red and white banding, coral banded shrimp add a pop of color and interest to any tank.
But what do these colorful crustaceans eat? Understanding the diet and feeding habits of coral banded shrimp is key to keeping them healthy and thriving
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at what coral banded shrimp eat in the wild and how to feed them properly in captivity. We’ll cover:
- What coral banded shrimp eat in the wild
- Feeding coral banded shrimp in an aquarium
- Providing a varied diet
- Feeding frequency and amount
- Potential diet-related issues
- Frequently asked questions about feeding coral banded shrimp
What Coral Banded Shrimp Eat in the Wild
In their natural coral reef habitat, coral banded shrimp are omnivores that eat a wide variety of food. Their diverse wild diet includes:
- Detritus
- uneaten fish food and waste
- Parasites and dead tissue from fish
- Plankton
- Algae
- Small crustaceans
- Worms
- Sponges
A coral reef offers coral banded shrimp a smorgasbord of potential food choices. As opportunistic feeders, coral banded shrimp take advantage of this variety by feeding on whatever food sources are readily available.
Their role as “cleaner shrimp” also provides them access to parasites, injured tissue, and other food items when cleaning fish clients at reef cleaning stations
Feeding Coral Banded Shrimp in an Aquarium
In the aquarium, coral banded shrimp should be offered a varied diet to mimic their natural feeding habits. Here are some of the best foods to feed captive coral banded shrimp:
Protein-Rich Frozen and Live Foods
- Brine shrimp
- Mysis shrimp
- Copepods
- Daphnia
- Bloodworms
- Small pieces of seafood like shrimp, squid, clam
Frozen and live meaty foods provide coral banded shrimp with protein and nutrients. Offer a rotating selection to prevent boredom.
High-Quality Prepared Foods
- Sinking pellets/flakes for omnivores or carnivores
- Algae-based pellets or flakes
Look for formulas with marine proteins, algae, and spirulina to target the coral banded shrimp’s omnivorous needs.
Natural Food Sources
- Algae (naturally growing or supplements)
- Uneaten fish food and detritus
- Aquarium cleaning sponges (provide grazing material)
Allowing natural food sources to become available gives coral banded shrimp nutritional variety.
Supplements
- Calcium supplements support shell growth after molting
Providing a Varied, Balanced Diet
To stay healthy, coral banded shrimp need a frequently varied, balanced mix of meaty and veggie foods. Here are some tips:
- Rotate through protein-rich frozen/live foods
- Use a couple high-quality pellet/flake formulas
- Allow supplemental grazing on algae and biofilms
Varying their diet ensures coral banded shrimp receive all required nutrients.
Feeding Frequency and Amount
Coral banded shrimp are grazers that pick at food throughout the day. To accommodate this, offer smaller portions of food several times per day.
As a general guide, feed 1-2 times per day in most tanks. Provide only enough that shrimp can consume within a few minutes, before much falls to the substrate. Remove any uneaten food to avoid water quality issues.
Target feeding more frequent small meals if you have a large shrimp population or need to supplement with algae grazing space. Monitor shrimp activity and appetite and adjust feeding accordingly.
Shrimp that readily come out when food is offered and consume it quickly are demonstrating healthy feeding behavior. Pay attention and adjust if they lose interest.
Potential Diet-Related Issues
Improper diet is one of the most common issues seen with coral banded shrimp health. Here are some potential problems and solutions:
Not Enough Food Variety
- Symptoms: Lethargic shrimp, poor molting, low growth rate, poor coloration
- Fix: Increase variety of protein and veggie foods offered
Too Much or Too Little Food
- Symptoms: Excess uneaten food polluting water or shrimp competing aggressively
- Fix: Adjust amount fed and frequency to shrimp consumption
Lack of Calcium
- Symptoms: Shrimp unable to molt properly
- Fix: Provide calcium supplement before molts
Vitamin Deficiencies
- Symptoms: Poor health and immune function
- Fix: Target feeding nutrient-rich live and frozen options
Pay attention to any symptoms of poor nutrition and course correct your coral banded shrimp diet as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Feeding Coral Banded Shrimp
How often should I feed my coral banded shrimp?
Feed mature shrimp 1-2 times per day, providing only as much food as they can finish within a few minutes. You may need to feed shrimplets and juveniles more frequently with smaller meals.
What are the best foods to feed my coral banded shrimp?
Target a variety of meaty frozen or live foods, quality omnivore pellets/flakes, supplemental algae grazing, and uneaten fish foods. Rotate through different protein sources.
Should I use a calcium supplement?
Providing a calcium supplement shortly before molting helps shrimp build a strong new exoskeleton. Place a small piece of cuttlebone or a calcium chip in the tank.
Can coral banded shrimp eat fish food flakes?
Yes, shrimp can pick at high-quality omnivore flakes fed to fish. But flakes shouldn’t be their only food source. Supplement with more protein-rich options.
Why do my coral banded shrimp fight over food?
Competition over food can cause aggression in coral banded shrimp. Make sure to feed a varied diet and provide enough food at frequencies matched to the shrimp population. Remove excess uneaten food promptly.
Give Your Shrimp a Colorful, Nutritious Diet
Now that you know what do coral banded shrimp eat, you can provide a diet that keeps these colorful crustaceans healthy and vibrant.
Be sure to offer a frequently varied mix of protein-rich and vegetarian options. Feed a few small meals daily that allow shrimp to eat their fill without leaving excess. Supplement with natural grazing sources.
Monitor shrimp color, growth, activity levels and molting success. Adjust the diet as needed if any deficiency symptoms arise.
By mimicking their diverse natural diet, you can keep your coral banded shrimp happily snacking on a smorgasbord of nutritious foods. Their brilliant stripes will show off their excellent nutrition.
