Bali Dive Safari - Harlequin Shrimps

Dive Safari Bali - Halrequin Shrimps

This truly is one of the most stunning and beautiful Shrimps to be found in tropical waters. The body is of a pinksih-white or white color, splashed with large purple-edged pink spots, and sometimes reddish or light orangish toned looking spots. The claws are tapered and striped with purple bands as well. The eyes are on stalks, and the antennae are of a leaf shape because they are flattened.

This shrimp remains very small, only reaching an average length of one for specimens in the Indian Ocean region, and up to almost two inches from Pacific regions.

Characteristics:

This is a very shy, mild tempered shrimp, as well as delicate and sensitive. It prefers hard rocky or coral substrates, rich with lots of hiding places. During daylight hours it keeps hidden and only goes out to feed at twilight hours, or complete darkness. It is almost always found in pairs with the female being the larger of the two.

Diet:

The Harlequin Shrimp's diet consists solely of the tube feet of Echinoderms in the Starfish Family. We know that when you find a Harlequin Shrimp, the small Linkia species of Comet or Blood Spotted Starfish will usually be close by. This is its primary food source.

Other Info:

Other Common Names: Clown Shrimp, Painted Shrimp, and Dancing Shrimp.

• Scientific Name: Hymenocera picta or Hymenocera elegans