Harlequin Shrimp

Care Summary

The Harlequin Shrimp is one of the most visually stunning invertebrates in the marine hobby, with vivid blue and white patterning, but it is also one of the most demanding to keep fed. It eats exclusively live or freshly killed echinoderms, primarily starfish, and will require a steady supply of small asterina or chocolate chip starfish to survive long-term. This feeding requirement is the make-or-break factor: most losses come from starvation once the initial food source is consumed, so establish your supply chain before purchasing. Keep it in a species-specific or very peaceful reef tank away from any echinoderms you want to preserve, and feed it a starfish arm or small whole starfish once or twice a week.