I am told this is a Harlequin shrimp. Pretty whatever !
They are colorful and very popular for aquariums These animals dwell in coral reefs, where they live solely on a diet of starfish. This animal also has unusual front legs that are shaped like paddles. Harlequin shrimps grow only up to 2 inches. Although I might add these were a bit bigger.
Their front legs act as a pseudo needle type projection that temporarily paralyzes the prey, enabling the shrimp to flip them over and carry them off.
The shrimp consumes starfish alive. Usually working in pairs, the harlequin will keep the starfish alive by feeding on it for about a week, starting on the starfish's tube feet, until it is completely consumed.
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