Feeding the Harlequin Shrimp

[MGR201]

After many years of observation, I was seduced by the exotic beauty of the Harlequin Shrimp and purchased one for my developing BioCube reef. Thus far, it has proved a model citizen although sometimes shy and armed with an expensive appetite. I have had it one month and it's already consumed approximately $30.00 of retail purchased sea stars.It's also molted so I assume I am probably feeding it much more generously than would be normal in the wild.

I was wondering what species of and sizes of sea stars other MR members were feeding their specimens and how often? Additionally, has anyone used frozen sea stars successfully (either those that they prepared themselves or purchased already frozen)? Finally, any suggestions on the best places to obtain quality sea stars at reasonable prices in the New York area?

Thanks!

I have attached a photo taken from my iphone below.

 

[KathyC]

Chocolate chip star fish..about $10 each. Cut off a leg (yuck..) feed the Harley, put the starfish in your sump and do it again the next time the Harley is hungry.

 

[pauliwalnuts]

Chocolate chip star fish..about $10 each. Cut off a leg (yuck..) feed the Harley, put the starfish in your sump and do it again the next time the Harley is hungry.

Double yuck

 

[MGR201]

Chocolate chip star fish..about $10 each. Cut off a leg (yuck..) feed the Harley, put the starfish in your sump and do it again the next time the Harley is hungry.

I tried that the first time but the Chocolate Chip Star disintegrated in the sump after about six days. It seemed more practical just to give the entire star to the shrimp rather than just one leg if the rest was going to waste and potentially fouling the tank.

 

[JARRETT SHARK]

I have one and not feed any stars since i bought 2 months ago, will he live or go hungry? I just cant do the chocolate star thing

 

[MGR201]

I have one and not feed any stars since i bought 2 months ago, will he live or go hungry? I just cant do the chocolate star thing

I think he'll starve. I was told to feed one leg per week by my LFS but after the first Chocolate Chip fell apart, I fed an entire star the second time.

 

[JARRETT SHARK]

I just cant come to my self to kill a huge star once a week,the little stars dont bother me but hard to get

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

I have had a pair for almost 2 years now....I love them.. Kathys advise is good.... This is what I do....the only diference is I have about 6 large chocolate stars and I rotate who will donate a leg of the week....:splitspin I never had them disintegrate.

 

[AriMiko43]

lol sucks to be the winner of that pick

I have had a pair for almost 2 years now....I love them.. Kathys advise is good.... This is what I do....the only diference is I have about 6 large chocolate stars and I rotate who will donate a leg of the week....:splitspin I never had them disintegrate.

 

[greenstreet.1]

love the H shrimp but my coral banded keeps on killing them. was feeding with the stars in the tank.

 

[KathyC]

Fact is, I can't stand it either but after losing so many zoas to those asterinas..

I am aware of the advice I gave and know others have used it (I like the twist that Thane puts on it with rotating the leg donors), but I could NEVER hack the leg off a star fish.

I wait till the Harley is hungry and I have his attention..then I drop the entire chocolate chip star where he is at - and where I cant see what goes on (as in behind the rocks...) - and that's that.

 

[Mattl22]

The Harley will only eat star fish ??? I have a bunch of small star fish in my tank like 1/8 " r they good or bad will the Harley get aloNg with other shrimp

 

[KathyC]

The Harley will only eat star fish ??? I have a bunch of small star fish in my tank like 1/8 " r they good or bad will the Harley get aloNg with other shrimp

Yes, they eat only living star fish (not all types), but they do eat the ones you are talking about - asterinas. Once they motor through your asterina population, you would need to supply it with the ones we are talking about here.

Mine lives peacefully with a Blood Shrimp, clean shrimp and peppermints.
I don't think I'd put one with a Coral Banded shrimp though

If you want more than one Harley, they need to be of the opposite sex or one will kill the other They are easily sexed so that shouldn't be an issue.

 

[FocusReefing]

Uhhg! I love the way they look but have serious issues with hacking up live starfish. Do they bleed or squirm at all while being disemboweled?

 

[JARRETT SHARK]

i have a coral banded shrimp with no problem