Largest Harlequin Shrimp Ever Recorded

Largest Harlequin Shrimp

[{"selector":"#anim-0bd620e9-9f1e-43b0-84cc-366b3141482e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-47f94078-7835-4b6a-a113-1ac249749f98","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 161.07822%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Learn more

Harlequin shrimp belong to the genus Hymenocera, and they are unique for their brightly colored bodies and unusual feeding habits.

They feed almost exclusively on starfish, using their powerful claws to break their prey’s limbs and devour the starfish’s tissue.

However, as fascinating as these small crustaceans may be, some people are concerned about how large they can grow.

Picture this: a harlequin shrimp, not just remarkable for its vivid coloration and distinct patterns but also for its unprecedented size.

Discovered in the depths of the Coral Triangle, near the Raja Ampat Islands

This colossal crustacean measured a staggering 2 inches—the largest ever documented.

The Coral Triangle is hailed as the “Amazon of the Seas”

It is a biodiversity hotspot, teeming with marine life.

This remarkable discovery adds another jewel to the crown of this underwater paradise.

What makes this harlequin shrimp stand out, apart from its colossal size?

Known for their vibrant hues and intricate patterns, harlequin shrimp are already captivating creatures

There is still more to learn about these incredible creatures!

More From ANIMALS AROUND THE GLOBE

[{"selector":"#anim-3ee167ef-7dca-4104-b92e-73c4ab0f867b","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.15)","scale(0.985)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-b6996902-e4e3-4dea-9bdf-925548756efb","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.15)","scale(0.985)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-0e5bd447-97c8-42a3-88b3-175671893a3e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":100,"duration":1201,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2191fc3d-845c-4dac-b87f-09ab4797acb4","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

SWIPE UP NOW!

[{"selector":"#anim-e4b9f89e-a3c4-4cd9-bae0-07ce07422b84","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.15)","scale(0.985)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-d74fcf4f-9525-4331-9438-4730f50386a1","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.15)","scale(0.985)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1200,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] Discover More!