Harlequin shrimp

Author: 
Eveline Crone de Brabander
Photographer: 
Andre Crone
Distribution: 

Harlequin shrimps live in tropical waters, from the red sea, east Africa till Indonesia.

Food: 
Harlequin shrimps live only on starfish. Shrimps have been seen eating the starfish starting from the arms up to the central body. In this way they make sure that the starfish stays alive as long as possible.
Harlequin shrimp

The Harlequin shrimp perhaps is the most beautiful shrimp living around the world. The main color of its body is cream. On their body they have brown-purple spots. Around these spots there is a bright blue line. The legs of the harlequin shrimp are striped. In general the harlequin shrimps live on intertidal and sub tidal coral reefs. Besides the color also the shape of this shrimp is very special. The claws are huge compared to the size of its body.
It looks like the harlequin shrimp is territorial. Pairs of harlequin shrimps can stay for months of years in the same area on the reef.