FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes Western

Hymenoceridae 963
Hymenoceridae HYMENOCERIDAE
Hymenocera picta Dana, 1852
En - Painted harlequin shrimp.
Body length around 2 to 5 cm. Shallow marine reef areas in depths from 1 to 20 m. Usually live in
pairs and reported to be strongly territorial. No fish cleaning behavior observed but reported to kill
and feed on starfishes, at least under aquarium conditions. A popular shrimp in the aquarium trade
because of its bizarre looking and amazing coloration. Sold at moderately high prices due to its rare
supply, indicating that this shrimp is not commonly found in its natural habitats. Widely distributed
in the Indo-West Pacific from eastern Africa to Japan, Hawaii, and French Polynesia.
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