Will it eat prepared or pellet food?

No — harlequin shrimp eat nothing but starfish and are a specialist feeder. They won't take prepared or frozen foods, so you'll need a steady supply of live starfish.

Will it attack fish or corals?

It won't harm fish or corals and is generally safe in a mixed tank. Its prey is limited to starfish, though, so avoid keeping it with ornamental starfish.

Is this a good species for beginners?

Harlequin shrimp are considered an advanced species. Whether you can keep it long-term depends on securing a continuous supply of starfish for food, so it's best to prepare that in advance before bringing one home.

Adults reach roughly 2–5 cm in body length, with 5 cm being the maximum. It's a small species that fits comfortably in a compact tank.

Is it covered by CITES?

Harlequin shrimp are not covered by CITES.

Harlequin Shrimp

The harlequin shrimp is a small saltwater shrimp best known for its white body marked with large purple or brown patches and its wide, fan-shaped claws that resemble the flared sleeves of a furisode kimono — the source of its Japanese name. It moves slowly and spends much of its time tucked among the rocks, with a generally calm, retiring temperament. Its defining trait is an exclusive diet of starfish; it won't touch prepared foods at all. Because of this, keeping a steady supply of live starfish is the real key to success, which is why this species is considered suitable for experienced keepers only. With its striking looks and unusual biology, it's a shrimp that rewards close attention.

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About Harlequin Shrimp

The harlequin shrimp is a small species with a white body, purple or brown patches, and wide, kimono-sleeve-like claws. It feeds exclusively on starfish and is considered an advanced-level saltwater species.

7 things to know before welcoming a Harlequin Shrimp

1A Starfish-Only Diet
Harlequin shrimp eat nothing but starfish and won't respond to prepared or frozen foods. Whether you can keep a steady supply of live starfish on hand is what determines whether you can keep this species long-term.
2Best Kept in Pairs
These shrimp naturally pair up rather than live alone, and a mated pair will work together to subdue a starfish. Keeping a single shrimp is possible, but pairs tend to settle in more stably.
3Tankmate Compatibility
Harlequin shrimp won't bother fish or corals, so they're generally safe in a mixed reef tank. The one exception is ornamental starfish — those are exactly what this shrimp preys on, so never house them together.
4A Shy, Reclusive Nature
They spend much of their time tucked into rockwork and live rock crevices, and tend to startle at sudden noise or water movement. Providing a secure hiding spot encourages them to come out more often.
5Small and Sensitive to Water Quality
Adults reach only about 2–5 cm in body length, and this small size makes them sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters. Acclimate them slowly and keep conditions stable after introduction.
6Handle Molting with Care
Like all crustaceans, they molt periodically as they grow. Right after a molt, the new shell is soft and the shrimp is vulnerable, so avoid disturbing the tank and let it recover quietly during this period.
7Line Up a Food Source First
Before bringing one home, make sure you have a reliable way to source starfish on an ongoing basis. This species is considered advanced precisely because securing that food supply is the core challenge of keeping it.

Frequently asked questions about Harlequin Shrimp

Q.Will it eat prepared or pellet food?: A.No — harlequin shrimp eat nothing but starfish and are a specialist feeder. They won't take prepared or frozen foods, so you'll need a steady supply of live starfish.
Q.Will it attack fish or corals?: A.It won't harm fish or corals and is generally safe in a mixed tank. Its prey is limited to starfish, though, so avoid keeping it with ornamental starfish.
Q.Is this a good species for beginners?: A.Harlequin shrimp are considered an advanced species. Whether you can keep it long-term depends on securing a continuous supply of starfish for food, so it's best to prepare that in advance before bringing one home.
Q.How big does it get?: A.Adults reach roughly 2–5 cm in body length, with 5 cm being the maximum. It's a small species that fits comfortably in a compact tank.
Q.Is it covered by CITES?: A.Harlequin shrimp are not covered by CITES.