Harlequin Shrimp as a solution?

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by NittyGritty, Apr 11, 2011.

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  1. malac0da13

    malac0da13 Torch Coral

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    I have heard of it but I think I read they would just cut a leg off or something. I have thought about getting one but the possible water quality issues turned me off. Maybe after I set up my new tank things could be different. I just fear it would pull a big chunk behind a rock and it would just rot back there. Now that I think about it though, about the cutting a leg off, I thought I read somewhere the shrimp will only feed off a living starfish and when it dies they walk away and leave it. Lemme see if I can find the info again.

    Nvm about the not eating dead starfish... I must have been thinking of something else. Here is the page I was reading though. Alot of good info...
    http://www.chucksaddiction.com/harlequinshrimp.html

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  3. JAFO

    JAFO Astrea Snail

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    I had a mated pair for a long time. They stayed in the rocks and I knew it was feeding time when they would come out and have a walk about.

    I would drop a choc starfish in and they would be waiting for it to hit the tank bottom, drag it into the rocks and feed away. They only eat a live starfish and not parts from a dead one.

    My local petco always had them in stock for cheap so this was the food source I used.

    Hope it helps.
     
  4. NittyGritty

    NittyGritty Millepora

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    Well, I headed up to the LFS. I had a 35 dollar credit and I cashed it in. Walked out with 2 of these guys for under 20 bucks. Let see what happens!
     
  5. malac0da13

    malac0da13 Torch Coral

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    Wow that seems like a good deal. I always thought they were more then that. I hope your gonna uload some pics lol.

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  6. NittyGritty

    NittyGritty Millepora

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    Sure, as soon as they are acclimated. ;D
     
  7. pmoradi2002

    pmoradi2002 Spaghetti Worm

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    +1

    I picked 2 Harlequins up yesterday and my LFS told me to cut an arm off of the star and put the rest in the freezer to keep it fresh, then to feed an arm weekly.

    BTW why do you want the stars gone?