Coral Reef
Shrimp
More details
Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta)
Pro
Pro
Description
Stunning and surreal, the Harlequin Shrimp is prized for its patchwork pastel colors and petal-shaped claws. Its unique look and exclusive diet make it one of the most captivating—and demanding—inverts in reef aquaria.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Gorgeous but challenging due to its strict diet of starfish and sensitivity to tank conditions.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught; sustainability depends on responsible sourcing and minimizing collection of wild starfish for feeding.
Origin
Native to coral reef regions across the Indo-Pacific, especially in shallow reef flats around Hawaii, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Its pink, blue, and white patterning resembles abstract flower petals. The ornate claws and sideways gait create an elegant, almost alien presentation in the tank.
Purpose
Primarily ornamental. Its natural behavior—dragging and feeding on sea stars—adds fascination and drama to observation tanks.
Importance
Coveted in nano reef and species-only displays for its beauty and unique feeding behavior. Demands high commitment but offers high visual payoff.
Included Resources
Requires stable salinity, a quiet tank with hiding spots, and a steady supply of live Asterina or chocolate chip starfish. No special lighting required.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks, advanced nano reefs, or observational displays with dedicated feeding plans. Not suited for mixed community reefs.
Conservation Context
Wild-caught only; no established captive breeding. Sourcing must be ethical—avoid impulse buying or setups that can’t sustain its specialized diet.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Best kept as a mated pair
• Avoid all starfish unless used as food
• Compatible with peaceful fish that won’t outcompete them for food or harass them
• Avoid triggers, puffers, and aggressive wrasses
Region (A)
• Latitude: -8.4095° S
• Longitude: 115.1889° E
(Bali, Indonesia)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 19.8968° N
• Longitude: 155.5828° W
(Big Island, Hawaii)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Gorgeous but challenging due to its strict diet of starfish and sensitivity to tank conditions.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught; sustainability depends on responsible sourcing and minimizing collection of wild starfish for feeding.
Origin
Native to coral reef regions across the Indo-Pacific, especially in shallow reef flats around Hawaii, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Its pink, blue, and white patterning resembles abstract flower petals. The ornate claws and sideways gait create an elegant, almost alien presentation in the tank.
Purpose
Primarily ornamental. Its natural behavior—dragging and feeding on sea stars—adds fascination and drama to observation tanks.
Importance
Coveted in nano reef and species-only displays for its beauty and unique feeding behavior. Demands high commitment but offers high visual payoff.
Included Resources
Requires stable salinity, a quiet tank with hiding spots, and a steady supply of live Asterina or chocolate chip starfish. No special lighting required.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks, advanced nano reefs, or observational displays with dedicated feeding plans. Not suited for mixed community reefs.
Conservation Context
Wild-caught only; no established captive breeding. Sourcing must be ethical—avoid impulse buying or setups that can’t sustain its specialized diet.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Best kept as a mated pair
• Avoid all starfish unless used as food
• Compatible with peaceful fish that won’t outcompete them for food or harass them
• Avoid triggers, puffers, and aggressive wrasses
Region (A)
• Latitude: -8.4095° S
• Longitude: 115.1889° E
(Bali, Indonesia)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 19.8968° N
• Longitude: 155.5828° W
(Big Island, Hawaii)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Gorgeous but challenging due to its strict diet of starfish and sensitivity to tank conditions.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild-caught; sustainability depends on responsible sourcing and minimizing collection of wild starfish for feeding.
Origin
Native to coral reef regions across the Indo-Pacific, especially in shallow reef flats around Hawaii, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Its pink, blue, and white patterning resembles abstract flower petals. The ornate claws and sideways gait create an elegant, almost alien presentation in the tank.
Purpose
Primarily ornamental. Its natural behavior—dragging and feeding on sea stars—adds fascination and drama to observation tanks.
Importance
Coveted in nano reef and species-only displays for its beauty and unique feeding behavior. Demands high commitment but offers high visual payoff.
Included Resources
Requires stable salinity, a quiet tank with hiding spots, and a steady supply of live Asterina or chocolate chip starfish. No special lighting required.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks, advanced nano reefs, or observational displays with dedicated feeding plans. Not suited for mixed community reefs.
Conservation Context
Wild-caught only; no established captive breeding. Sourcing must be ethical—avoid impulse buying or setups that can’t sustain its specialized diet.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Best kept as a mated pair
• Avoid all starfish unless used as food
• Compatible with peaceful fish that won’t outcompete them for food or harass them
• Avoid triggers, puffers, and aggressive wrasses
Region (A)
• Latitude: -8.4095° S
• Longitude: 115.1889° E
(Bali, Indonesia)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 19.8968° N
• Longitude: 155.5828° W
(Big Island, Hawaii)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta)
Region
Drag and orbit around the species’ natural range.
Drag to rotate and discover where this species originates in the world.
Drag to rotate and discover where this species originates in the world.
People also like…
