Harlequin Shrimp care guide
Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.
Overview
Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta) is a marine harlequin shrimp of the family Hymenoceridae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an advanced-level species. Stunning shrimp with white body and large blue/purple spots. Specialist sea-star predator — feeds EXCLUSIVELY on starfish (Linckia, Asterina). Keep only if you have steady supply of starfish.
Taxonomy
- Family: Hymenoceridae
- Genus: Hymenocera
- Scientific name: Hymenocera picta
- Common synonyms: Harlequin
Habitat
Hymenocera picta, the harlequin shrimp, is a hymenocerid of Indo-Pacific reefs noted for its boldly patterned, paddle-shaped claws. It is a specialist predator that feeds almost exclusively on the tube feet and tissue of sea stars. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Indo-Pacific.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-5 cm
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- KH: 8-12 °dKH
- Salinity (specific gravity): 1.024-1.026
- Lifespan: 2-5 years
Diet
The species is a carnivore and a specialist predator of sea stars, feeding on their tube feet and tissue; a captive pair must be supplied with whole or cut sea stars, which makes its diet difficult to sustain long-term.
Compatibility
The Aquairi knowledge base lists this species as a predator. Suitable tank mates include Reef fish (NOT starfish). It should be kept away from All starfish (will be killed), Aggressive fish.
Breeding
Breeding requires an extended planktonic larval stage in open water before the young settle, which makes captive reproduction very difficult and rarely accomplished in home aquaria. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-collected.