
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hymenocera picta
A small shrimp with large purple or brown spots on a white body and broad, sleeve-like claws. It eats only sea stars and refuses prepared foods, so a steady supply of starfish is the crux of keeping it; for experienced keepers.
The harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera picta) is a hymenocerid shrimp of tropical Indo-Pacific coral reefs, living on shallow reefs from 1 to 20 m. Large purple or brown spots on a white body and flattened, sleeve-like claws give it its Japanese name. Spot color varies by region: central to eastern Pacific animals have purple spots edged in yellow, while Indian Ocean and western Pacific animals have brown spots edged in blue. Monogamous pairs hold a territory and are specialist predators that eat only sea stars. The pair hunts cooperatively: the male finds the prey and severs tube feet to flip the star, and the female opens the body to eat the soft tissue. The key to keeping it is food supply: small sea stars such as Linckia and Fromia must be provided continuously. Keep at 22-26 C, pH 8.1-8.4 and specific gravity 1.023-1.025. It cannot tolerate copper or high nitrate, and iodine must be maintained for molting. Keep as a pair; it is harmless to fish and corals, but any sea star in the tank will be eaten.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Harlequin Shrimp grows to 2-5cm body length (max 5cm).
Body length is 2-5 cm, with males slightly smaller than females.
The ideal temperature for the Harlequin Shrimp is 22〜26℃.
Origin
Tropical coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific
Size
2-5cm body length (max 5cm)
Sources: LiveAquaria / SeaLifeBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Hymenocera picta Dana, 1852
Authority databases: WoRMS
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
22〜26℃
Sea stars only (Linckia, Fromia, etc.); some sea urchins as supplement
It eats only sea stars; do not start keeping it without a reliable ongoing supply of starfish. Sensitive to copper and high nitrate; maintain iodine for molting.
Moderate lighting with rockwork for shelter. Best kept as a mated pair.
22-26 C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.023-1.025. Supplement calcium, magnesium and trace elements.
Feed sea stars such as Linckia and Fromia. Juveniles need small stars; adults can take some sea urchins as a supplement. It does not eat prepared foods.
Peaceful and harmless to fish and corals, but every sea star in the tank becomes food. Cannot be kept with ornamental starfish.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Harlequin Shrimp is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Harlequin Shrimp typically reaches 2-5cm body length (max 5cm) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Harlequin Shrimp feeds on: Sea stars only (Linckia, Fromia, etc.); some sea urchins as supplement. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Harlequin Shrimp varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 15, 2026