Harlequin shrimp

Harlequin shrimp

Hymenocera picta

Hymenocerae

50 g

5 cm

Found throughout coral reefs in the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans. Male and female are often seen together in the wild. They can live up to 7 years.

Feeds exclusively on starfish, including crown-of-thorns starfish. If there are no starfish around they will prey on sea urchins.

Individuals mate for life and are very protective of their territory. Once they find a suitable home in the reef they can stay for months, even years.

Conservation status: According to many reports it is believed that the population is declining due to the degradation of coral reefs, in which they live exclusively.

Not easy to spot! Live in cauliflower coral patches.