It is usually considered the only species in the genus Hymenocera,[1][2] but some split it into two species: H. picta from the central and east Pacific, where the spots are deep pinkish-purple with a yellow edge, and H. elegans from the Indian Ocean and west Pacific, where the spots are more brownish and have a blue edge.

[5] These shrimp are typically found in Hawaii through the Indo-Pacific below the intertidal zone on coral reefs.

They are very skilled at flipping over a slow starfish on its back, and eating the tube feet and soft tissues until it reaches the central disk.

They, usually one female and one male, use their claws to pierce the tough skin and feeding legs to help them maneuver the starfish.

It also may have toxins from its prey (the starfish), which could make it distasteful and potentially dangerous for predators.