Harlequin Shrimp

Shrimp are active, entertaining and easy to keep. They shed their shells as they grow, and afterwards need to hide in the rock until their new shell hardens. Shrimp are highly excitable when food is present, and will do anything to get it. Some species may pester corals by attempting to reach food the coral has eaten. In this situation the shrimp should be provided food first. Large individuals may catch and consume smaller species.

The Harlequin shrimp is a strikingly beautiful animal related to the Bongo shrimp. It is a specialized predator and only eats starfish, including Asterina stars, but also larger species such as linkia, chocolate chip and sand sifting species. Females are larger and have spots under their tails which males do not. Its claws are designed for flipping over starfish, and when a large starfish is chosen the shrimp will attempt to keep it alive as long as possible while it is eaten. The Harlequin shrimp grows to 2 inches and is known to live up to 6 years.