Key Takeaways
| Fact | Description |
| Scientific Name | Hymenocera picta |
| Habitat | Warm, tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, around coral reefs. |
| Diet | Exclusively on starfish |
| Size | Around 5 cm or 2 inches in length |
| Reproduction | Lay eggs every time they shed their old shell, which happens every 18 to 26 days. It can produce up to 5000 eggs per season. The eggs hatch in about several weeks. |
Introduction
The Harlequin shrimp, which scientists call Hymenocera picta, is a type of shrimp that lives in the ocean. You can find them in the warm, tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, around coral reefs. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of the Harlequin shrimp.
Appearance
The Harlequin shrimp is a really interesting creature. It’s usually a creamy white color and sometimes has spots on its body. The ones that live around the Pacific Ocean often have red spots, while the ones in the Indian Ocean usually have purple spots. The Harlequin shrimp from Hawaii, known as H. picta, it has both purple and red spots.
This shrimp has two legs on each side for walking and big claws. The claws and eyes look flat and thin. On its head, it has things that look like flower petals that it uses to sniff out its food.
It’s not a very big creature, usually grows to about the size of your thumb, which is around 5 cm or 2 inches. Males are a little bit smaller than the Females. The weight of a Harlequin Shrimp is only a few ounces.
Habitat
Harlequin shrimp are usually found in places like Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific region, living below the intertidal zone on coral reefs. They like it when the water is a bit warm, between 72-82°F (22.2-27.8°C) .
Diet
One of the most interesting aspects of the Harlequin shrimp is its diet. Unlike many other species of shrimp, Harlequin shrimp feed exclusively on starfish. They are very skilled at flipping over a slow starfish on its back, and eating the tube feet and soft tissues until it reaches the central disk.
Behavior
The Harlequin shrimp travels really slowly and in waves. They usually rush into their cave if they feel threatened. It has a habit of moving its claws almost all the time.
It might not taste very good to other animals that want to eat it. This is because it eats starfish, which could have toxins or poisons. These toxins could make the shrimp taste bad and could even be dangerous for any animal that tries to eat it.
Reproduction
The females become ready for reproduction when they are between 200 to 240 days old. They usually lay eggs every time they shed their old shell, which happens every 18 to 26 days. The eggs are fertilized inside the female’s body. After that, the female moves the eggs to its abdomen. It can produce up to 5000 eggs per season. The eggs hatch in about several weeks.
Conservation Status
The exact number of Harlequin Shrimps is not determined and is currently unknown. Their population is reported to be severely decreasing due to the degradation of coral reefs and the unavailability of starfishes. Water pollution is also causing a serious blow to their habitat, which makes survival difficult.
Conclusion
Harlequin shrimp is a fascinating creature with its unique diet and beautiful appearance. However, like many other marine species, it faces threats from habitat degradation and pollution. Efforts should be made to protect these colorful carnivores of the coral reefs.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hymenocera
- https://oceanfauna.com/harlequin-shrimp-habitat-diet-anatomy-facts/
- https://kidadl.com/facts/animals/harlequin-shrimp-facts