This Shrimp (Hymenocera picta) serves as a starfish predator in the reef aquarium. Rated moderate difficulty, it requires a minimum tank size of 10 gal (38 L). It is fully reef safe and will not harm corals or other invertebrates.
Quick facts
| Type | Shrimp (Hymenocera picta) |
| Role | Starfish predator |
| Care level | Moderate |
| Reef safe | Yes |
| Min tank size | 10 gal (38 L) |
Overview
This Shrimp (Hymenocera picta) serves as a starfish predator in the reef aquarium. Rated moderate difficulty, it requires a minimum tank size of 10 gal (38 L). It is fully reef safe and will not harm corals or other invertebrates. Understanding where this invertebrate fits in your reef ecosystem helps you stock appropriately and avoid common compatibility issues. Unlike fish, invertebrates are generally more sensitive to water quality—particularly copper, which is lethal to most marine invertebrates even in trace amounts.
Tank requirements
A minimum tank size of 10 gal (38 L) is recommended. Maintain pristine water quality with standard reef parameters:
- Temperature: 75–80 °F (24–27 °C)
- pH: 8.0–8.4
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026 sg
- Alkalinity: 8–11 dKH
- Ammonia / Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: < 20 ppm
Critical: Never use copper-based medications in a tank containing invertebrates. Even trace copper from treated equipment can kill shrimp, snails, crabs, and other invertebrates. If you have used copper in a tank, it is absorbed into the silicone sealant and rocks, making the tank permanently unsafe for invertebrates.
Diet and feeding
Feed according to the species' natural diet. Research the specific nutritional requirements, as invertebrate diets vary widely—from herbivorous grazers to specialized predators. Observe the animal regularly to ensure it is finding adequate nutrition.
Behavior and compatibility
This species is fully reef safe and compatible with corals, clams, and other invertebrates. It can be housed with most peaceful to semi-aggressive fish. Avoid housing with aggressive predators that may eat invertebrates, such as triggers, large wrasses, or pufferfish.
Acclimate all invertebrates slowly using the drip acclimation method over 45–60 minutes. Invertebrates are more sensitive to salinity and pH swings than fish, and sudden changes can be fatal. Never expose marine invertebrates to air or freshwater.
Common mistakes
- Skipping drip acclimation. Invertebrates are far more sensitive to parameter differences than fish. A rushed acclimation is the number one cause of invertebrate loss.
- Copper exposure. Any copper in the system—from medications, plumbing, or contaminated equipment—kills invertebrates. Test for copper before adding invertebrates to a new or medicated tank.
- Overstocking the cleanup crew. More is not always better. Too many snails or hermits for the available algae leads to starvation. Stock conservatively: 1 snail per 2–3 gallons, 1 hermit per 5 gallons.
- Ignoring predators. Many popular fish (wrasses, hawkfish, dottybacks) prey on small invertebrates. Research compatibility before combining.
Tips for success
- Drip acclimate for at least 45 minutes before adding to your tank.
- Never use copper-based medications in a tank with invertebrates.
- Stock cleanup crew members conservatively—they need food to survive.
- Provide empty shells for hermit crabs to prevent them from killing snails for their shells.
- Monitor new additions for the first few days to catch compatibility problems early.
Frequently asked questions
How many should I add to my tank?
For cleanup crew members (snails, hermits), a general guideline is 1 snail per 2–3 gallons and 1 hermit crab per 5 gallons of tank volume. For specialty invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, starfish), keep according to species-specific recommendations. Overstocking leads to starvation and territorial conflict.
Is this invertebrate reef safe?
Yes, this species is considered fully reef safe. It will not damage corals, clams, or other invertebrates under normal circumstances.
What kills marine invertebrates?
The most common causes of invertebrate death are: copper exposure (even trace amounts), poor acclimation (salinity/pH shock), predation by incompatible fish, starvation in overstocked cleanup crews, and exposure to air during transfer. Handle with care and maintain excellent water quality.
Related articles
- CUC (cleanup crew) guide for reef tanks
- Hermit crab species for reef tanks
- Snail species for reef tanks
- Turbo snail care guide
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