Harlequin Shrimp care guide
Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta) Breeding Guide
Overview
Hymenocera picta, the harlequin shrimp, reaches about 5 cm (2 in) and ranges from Hawaii through the Indo-Pacific on coral reefs, preferring temperatures of about 72–82 degrees Fahrenheit. It feeds almost exclusively on starfish, consuming the tube feet and soft tissues, and commonly attacks crown-of-thorns starfish, killing them within days. This obligate sea-star diet has historically limited its popularity, but the species has been bred in captivity.
Sexing
Females are larger than males and have coloured abdominal plates that the slightly smaller males lack, making the pair distinguishable at maturity.
Conditioning
Harlequin shrimp live in pairs, usually one female and one male hunting together, and work together both to forage and to reproduce. Conditioning depends on a steady supply of starfish, since adults have an obligatory diet of sea stars; small Asterina starfish are a practical food.
Spawning & Berried Females
The female carries the fertilised eggs and produces between 100 and 5,000 eggs per season depending on environmental conditions. Both members of the pair cooperate around reproduction.
Larval Care
Harlequin shrimp have an extended larval period of around 60 days before settlement. The species has been raised in captivity: Aquatic Technology of Ohio got more than 500 harlequin shrimp to settle out and live past 60 days, and the young grazed on tiny Asterina starfish, keeping their natural feeding instinct through development.