Quick Stats
Difficult |
Temperament
Peaceful |
Color Form
White, Pink, Blue |
Diet
Carnivore (Starfish only) |
Reef Compatible
Yes |
sg 1.023-1.025, 72-78°F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 |
Max. Size
2 inches |
Family
Hymenoceridae |
Minimum Tank Size
10 gallons |
|
Description
The Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera elegans) is one of the most stunning invertebrates you can add to a reef tank, recognized by its dramatic color patterns of white, pink, and blue. Its beauty, however, comes with specific care requirements that make it suitable only for experienced aquarists. Harlequin Shrimp are highly specialized carnivores that feed exclusively on starfish, making them unique but challenging to maintain. They will only eat the tube feet of sea stars, which means they require a steady supply of starfish for food, often leading to some ethical considerations for the aquarist. In a home aquarium, most aquarists feed them chocolate chip starfish, cutting off small portions to sustain them while keeping the starfish alive. These shrimp are peaceful and compatible with reef environments, but they can be territorial toward other shrimp. Despite their peaceful nature, they are known to be somewhat shy and tend to stay hidden in crevices or under rocks. Their captivating beauty and unusual feeding habits make them a fascinating but high-maintenance addition to any advanced reef aquarium. Approximate Purchase Size: 1″ to 2″