Harlequin shrimps

[FuEl]

Just wondering...cause my female harlequin shrimp came to me as a light blue specimen. Now it seems like it's getting as pink as the male.

What are the differences between H.elegans and H.picta besides colouration? If its only in the colouration I can say I will have a "H.picta pair" soon.

[Michael Young]

In Julian Sprung's book: Invertebrates, A Quick Reference Guide, H. picta is described to be white with yellow or pinkish rimmed redish spots; while the H. elegans is whitish or pale yellow with pick centered purplish spots.

It seems that yours have changed from a H. elegans to a H. picta

I guess that's why he also said in the book that: "The distinction between the 2 species on the basis of colours is a subject of debate.

It may be that one species only exist." By that he meant H. picta

To answer your question: No. there are no other differences other than colours.

[FuEl]

okie..thanks for your help...hehe..will post a pic later today...to show how pink they have become.. Just wondering..could the color change be due to food items? Recently I've only been feeding them orange linkias. Could that be why? Maybe after this I try blue linkia and see if they change to blue.

[hamannbmw]

i dun think food will be able to change its colour lar.... mine feeding on blue linkia.... but still pink , I'm the same as u , having a pair with pink and blues

[Guinness]

Saw a few of these beautiful creatures at a shop. Read that they feed nearly exclusively on starfish. What do you guys feed your Harlequins?