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When the Harlequin Shrimp shed their exoskeleton they leave their translucent shell in a full view, as a distraction, so that they might find a hiding place. | ||||||
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Harlequin Shrimp | ||||
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Description • The body is creamy white splashed with large maroon red spots. Their legs are banded. The female Harlequin shrimp are slightly larger than the male which grow to about 2 inches. These richly colored shrimp are slow moving and are toxic or bad tasting possibly absorbing toxins from their prey. Habitat • Often found in mated pairs they are territorial sometimes remaining in the same area of a coral reef for months or years. Diet •. Harlequin shrimp feed primarily on sea stars which they turn over and devour alive over a period of days, although sometimes a sea star will escape leaving behind one of its legs. | ||||
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