The harlequin shrimp is a small, gaudy crustacean decorated with bold red and white patches that make it unmistakable on the reef. Found in Indo-Pacific waters, it hunts at night in pairs or small groups, feeding almost exclusively on starfish—the pair will work together to flip a starfish over and feed from the soft underside. Divers spotting one are witnessing a specialist predator; harlequin shrimp are rarely seen in large numbers and their patterning, though vivid, offers effective camouflage among the colourful rubble of coral rubble and rocky crevices where they shelter.
Most likely to be seen at
Sites where its range and habitat make it likely — not yet confirmed by a logged sighting.