Marine ornamental shrimp species are popular among hobbyists because of their attractive coloration. Harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera picta) is one of the ornamental shrimp species that has high potential for aquaculture to supply the aquarium trade, according to its high value. It is essential therefore to have an understanding on the larval development and spawning cycle. The results from the study are necessary for developing of the nursery techniques to maximise survival rates. Larvae were collected from broodstock and maintained in aquaria through hatch until the shrimp settling stage (~32-47days post hatch). Larvae development was determine microscopically and the size of key structures on each larval stage were measured. Spawning occurs all year round in 28.4-31.1 °C water with the reproductive cycle taking 15-21 days. Following hatching there are 12 zoel stages: sessile eyes; stalked eyes; exopod longer than endopod; extension of the endopod to the same length as the exopod; endopod and exopod longer than telson; posterior margin of the telson having an equal width with some setae; telson tapers posteriorly the uropod now extends well beyond the telson and pleopod buds appear; 5 uniramous pleopod buds; pleopod buds biramous; segmentation pleopods evident between exopod and endopod; pleopod 1-4 with appendices (smaller buds); pleopods adorned with plumose setae, chelipeds adorned with many small setae. The behaviour of the post-larval stages, feeding on starfish was observed at 3 days after metamorphosis.