Banded Coral Shrimp

Superpower

Sets up a cleaning station and waves its long white antennae to call in clients.

At a glance

Size

typically 5 cm, up to 9 cm

Lifespan

2–4 years

Depth

1–30 m

Habitat

Reef caves, ledges and overhangs.

Diet

Parasites and dead tissue picked from fish, plus scraps.

Can I eat it?

No — this one is not eaten.

Fun facts

• •It cleans parasites off fish, like the cleaner wrasse.
• •Long white antennae advertise its cleaning service.
• •Pairs bond and defend a shared territory.