Harlequin Shrimp: The Starfish Specialist

The Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera elegans, often synonymized with Hymenocera picta) is one of the most sought-after and beautiful marine invertebrates, known for its strikingly elaborate coloration and unique, "dancing" movements. This small crustacean typically displays a white or cream body with large, ornate spots that range from blue and purple (Indo-Pacific variation, H. elegans) to red and pink (Hawaiian variation, H. picta).

Harlequin Shrimp are small, reaching a maximum body size of only 1.5 to 2 inches (4-5 cm). They are generally kept as mated pairs and are completely reef safe, posing no threat to corals or sessile inverts.

However, the Harlequin Shrimp is an obligate predator with a highly specialized and demanding diet: it feeds exclusively on sea stars (starfish). This shrimp is often acquired by hobbyists to eliminate nuisance Asterina starfish but must be consistently provided with live starfish to survive long-term.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Harlequin Shrimp is a dedicated Carnivore / Obligate Starfish Predator. It eats nothing but the tube feet and soft tissues of live starfish and some sea urchins (echinoderms). It often works with its mate to flip the starfish onto its back, consuming it slowly to keep the prey alive as long as possible.
• Feeding Challenge: This is an Intermediate to Advanced care level shrimp because providing its exclusive diet requires a sustainable source of live sea stars (e.g., Chocolate Chip, Linckia, or Asterina stars). A pair of adults may consume one medium-sized starfish (e.g., 2-4 inches) every 1 to 4 weeks. They can sometimes be trained to eat frozen starfish pieces.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe. This species is peaceful and will not harm any corals or most invertebrates (other than starfish and urchins). It is intolerant of copper-based medications and requires stable water chemistry (especially iodine) for successful molting.
• Compatibility with Tankmates: The shrimp is Peaceful toward fish and other non-echinoderm invertebrates. However, it is territorial toward other Harlequin Shrimp unless it is its mate, and it is a food source for large predators such as Triggerfish, Puffers, Lionfish, and large predatory Wrasses.
• Cleanup Crew Impact: Do NOT house this shrimp with ornamental starfish (e.g., Sand Sifting Stars, Blue Linckia, or Brittle/Serpent Stars), as it will hunt and consume them.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Hymenocera elegans (often H. picta)
• Primary Common Name: Harlequin Shrimp
• Other Common Names: Clown Shrimp, Painted Shrimp, Dancing Shrimp
• Origin: Indo-Pacific, Hawaii
• Max Size: 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful / Obligate Predator (Starfish only)
• Diet: Carnivore (Exclusively live starfish)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20+ Gallons (Must provide adequate food)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Will eat all starfish and sea urchins)