Description
The Painted Starfish Hunter
Arguably one of the most beautiful and ornate invertebrates in the ocean, the Harlequin Shrimp is a true living jewel. With a creamy white body adorned in a breathtaking mosaic of purple, pink, or blue spots, and unique, flattened claws that resemble flower petals, this shrimp is a work of art. They move with a deliberate, swaying grace and are almost always found in a devoted male-female pair, adding another layer of fascinating social behavior.
These shrimp are not just beautiful; they are captivating to watch. They are active and intelligent hunters, exploring their environment with purpose. Owning a pair of Harlequin Shrimp is like having a constantly evolving art exhibit in your aquarium. However, their stunning beauty is matched by their highly specialized nature, making them a rewarding challenge reserved for the most dedicated and prepared aquarists.
An Essential Note on Diet: For the Dedicated Aquarist
Before considering a purchase, it is critical to understand that the Harlequin Shrimp is an obligate predator of starfish.
- They eat ONLY starfish and will starve to death without them. They will not eat mysis shrimp, pellets, flakes, algae, or any other prepared foods. There are no exceptions.
- A consistent food source, such as a supply of live Chocolate Chip starfish or a culture of pest Asterina starfish, must be secured before you acquire these shrimp.
- This is an expert-level animal solely due to this strict dietary requirement.
Why the Harlequin Shrimp is a Breathtaking Addition:
- Unparalleled Beauty: Their vibrant colors and ornate patterns are unmatched by almost any other shrimp in the hobby.
- Fascinating Predatory Behavior: Watching a pair work together to hunt and consume a starfish is a stunning, National Geographic-worthy display of natural behavior.
- Bonded Pairs: They form a true male-female bond and are one of the few invertebrates that can be kept as a dedicated pair.
- Natural Asterina Control: They are the ultimate solution for aquariums overrun with pest Asterina starfish.
Care & Specifications
Success with Harlequin Shrimp is 100% dependent on meeting their dietary needs. Their water parameter and tank requirements are straightforward, but their food source is not.
Feeding: The Only Thing That Matters
- Diet: Starfish (Echinoderms).
- Primary Food Source: Most aquarists feed them live Chocolate Chip starfish (Protoreaster nodosus). A single starfish can sustain a pair for one to three weeks, depending on its size. The shrimp will consume the starfish's tube feet first, keeping it alive for as long as possible.
- Asterina Starfish: For smaller tanks or for those who don't wish to feed larger stars, a separate, dedicated tank for culturing pest Asterina starfish is a viable option.
- Frequency: A constant supply of food must be available. Do not wait for them to finish one starfish completely before having the next one ready.
Tank Requirements:
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons for a pair. A dedicated species tank is highly recommended.
- Aquascape: Requires mature live rock with plenty of caves and crevices for hiding, especially during molting.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75−82°F (24−28°C)
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Specific Gravity: 1.023−1.025
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pH: 8.1−8.4
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Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate: As close to 0 ppm as possible.
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Iodine: Like all crustaceans, they benefit from iodine supplementation to aid in healthy molting.
Compatibility:
- Temperament: Peaceful towards fish and corals.
- Reef Safety: They are 100% safe with all corals. However, they will hunt and kill ALL desirable echinoderms. Do not house them with ornamental starfish of any kind, including Serpent, Brittle, Linckia, or Sand-Sifting sea stars. They will also consume sea urchins if other food is scarce.
- Tank Mates: Keep with peaceful fish. Avoid aggressive predators like Triggerfish, Pufferfish, and large Wrasses that would prey on the shrimp.
Acclimation: IMPORTANT: Harlequin Shrimp are delicate. To ensure a smooth transition and prevent unnecessary stress, slow drip acclimation over a period of at least 60-90 minutes is mandatory.
