Harlequin+Shrimp

**Common name:** Harlequin Shrimp **Scientific Name:** //Hymenocera elegans & Hymenocera picta//
 * Phylum:** Arthropoda
 * Class: ** Malacostraca

**Size:** 1 to 2 inches long.

//picta// - Specific to Hawaii
 * Location: **//elegans// - Throughout the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean where the two bodies of water meet.

**Diet:** Both species require a specific diet of starfish and some sea urchins for long-term survival. They locate their prey by scent, and when the star fish is found, they pry it off of its anchoring rock or reef. The shrimp usually join forces ( male & female ) and share the meal.  **Description of Habitat:** The Harlequin shrimp live in coral reefs, preferring a temperature range between 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

**Living Requirements:** These little guys are rare, and little damage to their coral reef habitat affects a large amount of their population.


 * Life cycle (Peculiarities): **Mating season starts after the female shrimp has molded (her shell). She produces between 100 to 5,000 eggs depending on enviormental factors. The female also will clean her eggs until they hatch.


 * Male & Female difference: **Females are typically larger and have a colored abdominal plate. Male abdominal plates are white.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">When these shrimp find their lover, they mate for life. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">When they start eating a starfish meal, they usually keep it alive for 3 or 4 days by feeding the starfish throughout the eating process.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">2 - 3 interesting facts: **


 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Human Impact on organism: **

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 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Refrences: **