Blue Whale in Costa Rica
October 30th, 2012
Harlequin Shrimps, or clown shrimps, are common species of Pacific and Indian oceans. Their biological name is Hymenocera which are often divided into two types; H. Picta, a purple and yellow shrimp found in central and east Pacific and H. elegans, a brown and blue shrimp found in the waters of Indian Ocean and west Pacific Ocean. Present in abundance in all types of waters, from marine water to fresh waters of rivers and lakes, shrimps are decapod crustaceans that are considered to play an essential part in food chain as larger animals such as whales, sharks and rays feed on them. Shrimps are also consumed by humans all over the world and are regarded as temptingly delicious sea food. Harlequin shrimps are stalk-eyed, with long whisker-like antennas, a thing long tail (which is actually its abdomen) and slender, fragile legs that are used for perching. Harlequin shrimps have claws which do not serve any purpose. On the underside of the tail, there are swimmerets which allow them to swim by a paddling motion. On the Pacific Ocean, harlequin shrimps can be found in sea beds, below the intertidal zones, or on the deep side of the reefs of Costa Rica’s pacific coast, Japan, Indonesia, United States, and Hawaii. The adult shrimp is approximately 2 inches in length. The shrimps solely feed on starfish and sea urchins. They are often seen feeding on star fish in a bed of coral reefs. A species of starfish, Acanthaster, is a favorite of the shrimps and it is quite a sight to watch a shrimp dragging away the starfish with itself for lunch. Average life span of a shrimp in the wild is one to seven years. Harlequin shrimps reproduce sexually and lay 100 to 5,000 eggs per breeding season. Although they are known to be solitary creatures, but when the harlequin shrimps mate, they stay together for a very long time and are found in pairs. Harlequin shrimps prefer to live on a rocky surface with moderate lighting and a temperature range of 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Harlequin Shrimps in Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
Diving in Costa Rica is simply a spectacular experience. Warm, clear water of a tropical temperate combined with numerous species of marine life makes the pacific coast of Costa Rica a popular diving spot. Enjoy impeccable views of white-reef sharks, octopus, turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, manta rays, eagle rays and exquisite tiny creatures like harlequin shrimps, seahorses, nudibranchs, urchins, starfish and eels. There are hundreds of diving sites in the pacific coast that are rich with harlequin shrimps. The visibility of water is amazingly good and goes over 90 Feet! Scuba diving is recommended during the dry season which lasts from November to May. The oceanic water on the pacific site is rich with planktons and starfish which is a reason of its biological diversity. Harlequin shrimps can be seen in diving spots of Catalina Island, Cocos Island, Gulf of Papagayo, Osa Peninsula, Jaco, Bat Island and Nicoya Peninsula. The diving site by the private beach resort, Playa del coco in Guanacaste, is full of harlequin shrimps. Small but tranquil towns of Puntarenas, Montezuma, Santa Teresa and Mal Pais, are bordered by the oceanic lagoon which has abundance of these clown shrimps. Tortuga Island, which can be accessed through Montezuma Cabuya, Tambor Bay and Cabo Blano Marine Reserve also have the shrimps.
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References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hymenocera
http://www.vacation-rentals-costarica.com/scuba-dive-costarica-tours.html