Harlequin Shrimp

• ExerciseLow

  A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• GroomingDemanding tank care

  Demands pristine water — frequent testing and meticulous upkeep.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment2–4 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Molting issues · Nutritional deficiency · Parasites

The Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta) is an Indo-Pacific species reaching about 4 to 5 cm, patterned in cream with large purple-blue blotches and broad flattened claws. Pairs bond for life and hunt cooperatively, using chemical cues to track down sea stars, flipping them over and feeding on the living tissue from the arm tips inward over several days. That diet is the entire husbandry question and it must be stated before purchase, not after: this shrimp is an obligate sea star specialist and will not accept mysis, pellets or any prepared food. Keeping one means committing to a continuous supply of starfish, usually cheap Asterina or chocolate chip stars, at roughly one small star every one to two weeks per pair. Anyone unwilling to arrange that should not buy this animal. Given a supply, it is otherwise easy in a 75 litre or larger stable reef at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4, with caves, no copper, and peaceful tankmates that will not prey on it.

• How active is a Harlequin Shrimp?

  Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• How much maintenance does a Harlequin Shrimp need?

  Demanding tank care. Demands pristine water — frequent testing and meticulous upkeep.

• What tank size does a Harlequin Shrimp need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Harlequin Shrimp a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Harlequin Shrimp live?

  2–4 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Harlequin Shrimp?

  Keep an eye out for Molting issues, Nutritional deficiency, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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