How big is the Harlequin shrimp?

Harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera picta) reaches 3–5 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Harlequin shrimp?

Harlequin shrimp is found between 1–30 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Harlequin shrimp?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Harlequin shrimp?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific.

Harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera picta)

Key facts

Scientific name: Hymenocera picta
Common name: Harlequin shrimp
Category: Crustaceans
Family: Palaemonidae
Genus: Hymenocera
Size: 3–5 cm
Depth: 1–30 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef
Behaviours: pair, predator
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific

Description

Hymenocera picta reaches 5 cm. Exceptionally spectacular shrimp with cream-white body crossed by large magenta-purple to pink spots ringed with black and blue, petal-shaped colored claws, large blue eyes. Lives in faithful pairs from 1 to 30 m on coral reefs of Indo-Pacific. Listed LC. Highly specialized predator: feeds exclusively on sea stars (Linckia, Fromia, Acanthaster). Pair flips star, eats alive over several days. Iconic macro diving photo subject, absolute pinnacle.

Photo of Harlequin shrimp

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Harlequin shrimp?: Harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera picta) reaches 3–5 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Harlequin shrimp?: Harlequin shrimp is found between 1–30 m deep.
Is the Harlequin shrimp dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Harlequin shrimp?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Harlequin shrimp?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the family Palaemonidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 210554)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2225510)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia