The Harlequin Shrimp: Unusual and Beautiful Marine Aquarium Shrimp

Assuming that you are in the market for a truly unusual, beautiful and interesting invertebrate that fits in with your other inhabitants, the Harlequin Shrimp(Clown or Painted shrimp) represents one of these that will fit the mold. Known as hymenocera picta or more commonly known as harlequin shrimp, this shrimp inhabits the Eastern and Central Pacific. Harlequin shrimp are also categorized under the genus Gnathophyllids and are the sole representation in this genus.

Harlequins are a small shrimp that rarely grows larger than 3 inches in length. They are vividly marked with purple or pink blotches all over its body, with a cream colored background offering a nice contrast. They usually have a yellow hue that outlines their blotched areas similar to a halo. They have paddle like appendages at the front of the body(carapace) which is a distinguishing characteristic of this shrimp and affords the harlequin the ability to flip over sea stars in which to prey upon.

Again, Harlequin shrimp prey on sea stars, especially Linkia stars such as the blue linkia. They feed upon them and normally takes roughly a month or so to consume the leg/tubules and other soft parts of the star. In the wild, Harlequin shrimp will all prey upon Chocolate Chip, Crown of Thorns and pincushion stars in the genus Culcita among others in the Pentaceraster and Echinaster family. They are very specialized feeders and require tube feet of sea stars in which to survive. Without this the Harlequin shrimp will surely die due to starvation. Harlequin shrimp are obligate feeders relying on Sea Stars, Urchins and Sea Cucumbers and their success hinges on the availability of these suitable and key foods. The insurmountable amount of money that will be required to keep one or more of these shrimp alive for any given period of time must be taken into consideration before one ventures off and decides to try their luck with a Harlequin Shrimp.

Unfortunately, Harlequin Shrimp really do not make good aquarium choices as they don't ship well. That combined with the fact that they are specialized feeders and are nowhere as hardy as some of the other better suited species of shrimp ill affords most reefers from acquiring a Harlequin shrimp. Some of the better choices available to marine enthusiasts are Peppermint, Fire, Cleaner and Pistol Shrimp and if you have a suitable area dedicated for a smaller more delicate shrimp, a great addition would be the "Sexy Shrimp"(Thor Amboinensis).

As is the case with any shrimp or other species of invertebrate, stable water parameters are necessary. By this I mean, as little fluctuation as possible with regards to alkalinity, pH and salinity in particular. The purchasing of a healthy specimen will go far to ensure that you have the best chance of success in housing a Harlequin or other suitable invertebrate for any extended period of time.

If you do think you possess what it takes to maintain one of these beautiful, unusual creations like something out of a science fiction novel, they may in fact add a certain spice to an already wondrous and visually stunning piece of a natural reef environment as close as your living room. The best scenario is to research and read up on harlequin shrimp, or any other living animal before you decide to run out and spend the money, effort and time to gamble with a living animal that will ultimately rely on you for its survival, and rest assured, this will lessen the possible headaches and misfortune of having something of value and more importantly, that was once alive, die!