Harlequin Shrimp Large
Harlequin Shrimp Large. Available for local pickup only
With their vivid patterns of cream, blue, purple, and pink spots, Harlequin Shrimp are true showstoppers in any aquarium. Their striking paddle-shaped claws and bold, graceful movements make them one of the most sought-after invertebrates for display tanks.
These shrimp are peaceful and reef-safe with corals and fish — but their diet is truly one-of-a-kind: they feed exclusively on live starfish. In the right setup, they are fascinating to watch as they flip and feed on small stars, often working together as a bonded pair.
Description
Specifications
Video Links
User Manual
Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta) -Large
Available for local pickup only
📌 Identification
Harlequin Shrimp are famous for their bold, beautiful appearance:
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They have an unmistakable pattern of large, colorful spots in shades of cream, white, purple, blue, or pink.
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Their paddle-like claws and ornate flattened legs make them look almost otherworldly.
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Adults reach about 1.5–2 inches in length.
They are truly showpieces — many hobbyists add them to display tanks as a centerpiece invert.
Behavior & Unique Feeding Habit
Harlequin Shrimp are highly specialized predators — they feed exclusively on starfish (including Asterina stars and small brittle stars).
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They are peaceful towards other tankmates but will not accept pellets, frozen food, or prepared foods — they must have live starfish.
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They often hunt as a mated pair, flipping a starfish over and consuming it slowly over days.
Reef Safe — With a Catch
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They are reef safe in the sense that they do not harm corals, fish, or other inverts (except starfish).
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If you have decorative or desirable starfish like Fromia, Linckia, or Sand Sifting Stars — they will be hunted and eaten.
Many hobbyists keep them specifically to control nuisance Asterina starfish — tiny hitchhikers that multiply rapidly in some reef tanks.
✅ Care Level
Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced — not because of water quality but due to their highly specialized diet.
Key requirements:
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Stable reef parameters: Temp 72–78°F, SG 1.023–1.025, pH 8.1–8.4.
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Diet: Must have a regular supply of live starfish — hobbyists often supply small Asterina stars or keep a spare Chocolate Chip Starfish in another tank to feed them piece by piece.
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Tank size: Best kept in nano tanks to easily monitor and feed them, but any stable reef tank works if you can supply their food source.
Tank Mates
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Completely peaceful with corals, clams, shrimp, and reef-safe fish.
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Avoid housing with aggressive shrimp-eating fish (like certain large wrasses or triggers).
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They often do best kept singly or as a bonded pair — two unrelated individuals may fight.
Fun Fact
In the wild, Harlequin Shrimp are often found in pairs under coral ledges or rocky outcrops — and they work as a team to flip and immobilize much larger starfish!