Harlequin Shrimp
Hymenocera picta · hy-men-OH-ser-a PIK-ta
nocturnalpairsNot Evaluated
Friendly
Superpower
A pair will flip a starfish and eat it alive over days, helping protect the reef.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 3 cm, up to 5 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–7 years
- Depth
- 1–15 m
Habitat
Coral reefs, hidden in crevices.
Diet
Starfish — including the coral-eating crown-of-thorns.
Can I eat it?
No — this one is not eaten.
Fun facts
- It eats almost nothing but starfish.
- Pairs work together to flip and feed on their prey.
- It helps control coral-killing crown-of-thorns starfish.