🦐 Harlequin Shrimp Hymenocera picta
Reef Safe • Starfish Predator • Advanced Care
 
📋 The Harlequin Shrimp is one of the most stunning marine invertebrates available for aquariums. Its cream-white body, adorned with bold purple, blue, or brown spots, makes it a true showpiece for any reef display.
This species is an obligate starfish predator, feeding exclusively on live or frozen starfish. While harmless to corals and most invertebrates, they will consume ornamental starfish such as Linckia, Fromia, and Chocolate Chip species.
Best suited to experienced marine keepers, Harlequin Shrimp thrive in peaceful aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. Often kept as bonded pairs, they require a stable, well-maintained reef system.
 
💡Highlights
🎨 Striking Patterns – Cream body with bold, colorful spots
🌊 Reef Safe (With Caution) – Harmless to corals, but eats starfish
🪸 Bottom Dweller – Prefers rockwork and caves
🍽️ Specialist Diet – Requires starfish to survive
🧠 Advanced Care – Best for experienced reef aquarists
❤️ Pairs for Life – Can be kept as a bonded pair