Harlequin Shrimp info - Harlequin Shrimp Pictures

Other Common Names:
Clown Shrimp, Painted Shrimp, and Dancing Shrimp.
Scientific Name:
Hymenocera picta or Hymenocera elegans.
Identification:
The body is of a pinksih-white or white color, splashed with large purple-edged pink spots, and sometimes reddish or light orangish toned looking spots. The claws are tapered and striped with purple bands as well. The eyes are on stalks, and the antennae are of a leaf shape because they are flattened.

Harlequin Shrimp - Photo Picture Harlequin Shrimp


Harlequin Shrimp - Harlequin Shrimp Picture


Beautiful Harlequin Shrimp - Harlequin Shrimp Picture


Image Harlequin Shrimp - Harlequin Shrimp wallpaper


Picture Harlequin Shrimp - Harlequin Shrimp

Diet:
The Harlequin Shrimp's diet consists solely of the tube feet of Echinoderms in the Starfish Family. In Hawaiian waters we know that when you find a Harlequin Shrimp, the small Linkia species of Comet or Blood Spotted Starfish will usually be close by. This is its primary food source, but in some rare cases the Harlequin may accept other aquarium foods. Unless you have a good supply of starfishes for this shrimp to live on, and they are not particular of what kind, it does not do well in captivity. Don't keep any prized starfishes in the same tank with it.

HABITAT

Found intertidally and subtidally on coral reefs, hiding among branches of coral.

BEHAVIOR

Pairs are territorial. Single individuals are much more active than those in pairs.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Length to about 2 in (5 cm). Claws on the second pair of legs are formed into extremely large and distinctive flattened plates. Body and claws brilliantly marked with purple or red blotches on a white or cream background.