Harlequin Shrimp

Harlequin Shrimp

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hymenocera elegans

Overview
Reef Compatible: YES
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Docile
Origin: Eastern Asia

Hymenocera elegans, commonly known as the Elegant Harlequin Shrimp, is a fascinating species of saltwater shrimp found in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: These shrimp are known for their striking appearance, with limbs colored in shades of violet or purple and bodies covered in white spots.

  • Habitat: They inhabit coral reefs, usually staying between depths of 3 to 100 feet. They prefer sheltered areas like rock crevices and caves.
  • Diet: Harlequin shrimp have a specialized diet, feeding almost exclusively on starfish. They are skilled at flipping starfish over and consuming their tube feet and soft tissues.
  • Behavior: These shrimp are often found in pairs and exhibit a slow, wave-like movement. They use their large, flat claws to pierce the tough skin of starfish.

    Hymenocera elegans, commonly known as the Elegant Harlequin Shrimp, is a fascinating species of saltwater shrimp found in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans.