Harlequin Shrimp Care
If the harlequin shrimp is
right for you...
Though they occur in many
areas where marine life is har-
vested for the aquarium indus-
try, importation of Hymenocera
spp. is somewhat limited. Given
their enormous popularity,
this might seem a bit puzzling
unless one considers the rela-
tive rarity of the animal in its
natural environment. Moreover,
divers explain that they often
miss them due to their mainly
nocturnal habit.
With some patience, a healthy
specimen can be obtained in
due time from most specialist
marine aquarium shops. Both
H. elegans and H. picta can be
found in the trade. As the two
are so similar in their care, se-
lection of one species over the
other really comes down to a
preference of colour and mark-
ings. Really, the most important
distinction that can be made
when shopping for a harlequin
shrimp is whether or not it has
been bred in captivity. Owing
to the hard work of enterpris-
ing aquaculturists, captive-
raised harlequin shrimp are
now occasionally available to
hobbyists. These are surely the
better choice, as they tend to
be more adapted to aquarium
life, are more socialised and are
almost certainly trained to eat
alternative feeder starfi sh types.
Additionally, captive-raised
individuals are more eco-
friendly than their wild-caught
counterparts.
Conclusion
It is so easy to fall in love with a
creature as handsome and pe-
culiar as the harlequin shrimp.
These unusual animals certainly
do add a whole lot of fl air to
any marine aquarium. Still, one
should take into considera-
tion the substantial amount
of resources that are neces-
sary to keep them happy and
well fed. As such, they really
should be kept in a species tank
by an experienced aquarist.
Hymenocera spp. might be
thought of as being fairly high-
maintenance when compared
to other shrimps. Nonetheless,
if its needs are duly met, it can
be the most rewarding little
crustacean that one could ever
hope to keep in their home
aquarium.References[1] http://www.rcthawaii.com/research/8.htm
[2] http://www.waikikiaquarium.org/experience/animal-guide/
invertebrates/crustaceans/harlequin-shrimp
[3] http://chucksaddiction.thefi shestate.net/harlequinshrimp.html
[4] Greenley, Gordon. “Kings of the Arthropods: An Incredible Myriad of
Shrimp.” Reef Hobbyist Magazine, Fourth Quarter 2013, volume 7.The bongo shrimp Phyllognathia ceratophthalma. Image J ClippertonThe bumblebee shrimp Gnathophyllum americanum Image J ClippertonJ u n e 2 017 63