HARLEQUIN SHRIMP CLASSIFICATION
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Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda Subphylum: Crustacea Class: Malacostraca Order: Decapoda Infraorder: Caridea Family: Hymenoceridae Genus: Hymenocera Species: Hymenocera Picta and Hymenocera Elegant |
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Harlequin shrimp
Harlequin shrimp can be identified by some distinctive features such as the unique body shape and appendages. Their claws are large and flat, different from all other types of shrimp. Their tail is trapezoidal and they use two fancy flat antennae on their heads with sophisticated scent receptors tuned to detect prey.
How big do harlequin shrimp get
The females can grow up to 5cm in length whereas the males, even fully gown, looks like a juveniles next to them.
One of the Harlequin Shrimps most attractive feature is their Carnaval-ready costume. Their carapace is cream-colored patterned with large psychedelic spots.
It used to be thought that there were two varieties of harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera elegant and H. Picta) but it was later concluded that they are one and the same with variations in color depending on the region they inhabit.
One of the Harlequin Shrimps most attractive feature is their Carnaval-ready costume. Their carapace is cream-colored patterned with large psychedelic spots.
It used to be thought that there were two varieties of harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera elegant and H. Picta) but it was later concluded that they are one and the same with variations in color depending on the region they inhabit.
Can harlequin shrimp change color?
Some aquarium owners have reported that Harlequin shrimp can change color base on their mood and as an example, one ordered a pair one picta, and one elegant, both arrived looking identical in color until they both calmed down and returned to their true colors!
These intricate motifs have developed through evolution as a means of protection. In the underwater world, animals with bright colors are usually recognized by potential predators as toxic. This is true for the harlequin shrimp whose advantage invites far fewer natural predators than other less colored creatures of similar stature.
These intricate motifs have developed through evolution as a means of protection. In the underwater world, animals with bright colors are usually recognized by potential predators as toxic. This is true for the harlequin shrimp whose advantage invites far fewer natural predators than other less colored creatures of similar stature.
They are often found in pairs and if a couple successfully establishes a secure den they can be found in the same place together for long periods of time. Sometimes Harlequin Shrimps will even spend the vast majority of their 7-year lifespan in the same place and with the same mate. They will live, breed, hunt, and defend their territory together loyally as long as their surroundings allow them. You may be thinking this is a very romantic gesture on the part of these gorgeous couples. Sorry to burst your bubble, but this behavior might just be a good way to increase their chances for the female’s eggs to get fertilized...
What do harlequin shrimp eat?
Harlequin shrimp have very unique dinning habits that could easily be inspiring for the plot of a horror movie. Although they are very small, they survive on a diet of almost exclusively live starfish much bigger then themselves. With a particular taste for their legs and soft tissues (best eaten with a nice chianti). Most seas tars species are suitable but reportedly Harlequin shrimp cannot eat brittle stars.
How do harlequin shrimp kill starfish?
The mating pair will hunt together, sharing the tasks at hand. They will first have to track down their prey using their sensitive antennae. Males, although much smaller, have been known to be more agile and proficient with this hunt than the females. Once the starfish is caught, the pair of harlequin shrimp will work as a team to flip the starfish over and then drag it back to their den using their powerful pincers. Unable to move, the starfish’s tube-like feet are exposed for its captors to feast on while it’s still alive.
A curious harlequin shrimp and starfish relationship
Even more gruesome is the harlequin shrimp’s tendency to prolong the starfish’s misery by feeding it for up to two weeks’ time to keep it alive and fresh. Some starfish will try to put up a fight by shedding the limb that is being eaten and regrowing a new limb to replace it. Unfortunately, the echinoderm is often too weak to effectively regenerate tissues. This is probably a blessing in disguise, as this effort would essentially give these twisted shrimp further opportunity to extend its prey’s torture.
In moments of desperation, the harlequin shrimp will resort to eating the similar soft leg tubes of sea urchins. It is clear that this is not their choice food source as they will only resort to this should the only other option be starvation.
In moments of desperation, the harlequin shrimp will resort to eating the similar soft leg tubes of sea urchins. It is clear that this is not their choice food source as they will only resort to this should the only other option be starvation.
Harlequin shrimps are in danger
Like many other marine creatures, harlequin shrimp are suffering due to the intervention of humans in their environment. Global warming, pollution, coral bleaching events, changes to water chemistry, and fishing to name a few, are factors that threaten this gorgeous species.
The deterioration of coral reefs could have a devastating impact on this species as they will not have the protection to help them develop and thrive. Also with fewer corals come fewer starfish for harlequin shrimp to eat, and thus begins a vicious cycle of doom. Although there are no specific conservation initiatives targeting harlequin shrimp, coral conservation projects can indirectly benefit individuals living on a reef that is well cared for.
In recent years with the growing aquarium trade, these beauties have also become a major target for people wishing to put them on display in their personal fish tanks. When you search the internet for information on harlequin shrimp, the majority of hits are from sites offering information to aquarium breeders and collectors, which is heartbreaking. The appeal is understandable from an aesthetic standpoint, but we would much prefer to observe them happy and free in their natural habitat. We often get the opportunity to spot them tucked away in the reefs while diving Myanmar.
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marine lifemarine faunashrimp
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