harlequin shrimp info.

[clownfish78]

I was wndering if anybody has own harlequin shrimps are know how to care for them I saw them at a local all-saltwater store and,they are very cool loking I have heard they are hard to take care of the shrimp coast $30 at this LFS but,I dont think to want to waste $30 on shrimp that i cant take care of. I may just get a different shrimp like a blood red that cost a bit less..So anymore info. on harlequin shrimp would be helpful
Thanx
this is my 1st post

 

[clownfish78]

I don't think i want a shrimp that will eat my starfish.I do have 2 skunk cleaners they are very cool one climbes on my hand even in my other tank i have a coral banded its a mean

[hr]
it will pinch my fingers.thanx for the info. and nice pics.the lfs that had the harlequins did not have them with star fish soo i dont know what were feeding them

 

[elvis a.]

The diet of a Harlequin Shrimp consists of Starfish.. Preferably of the Linckia SP. They aren't difficult to take care of in water quality wise, they are quite hardy.. The diet is the part that tricks you...
I've known hobbyists who simply used a chocolate chip starfish to feed the Harlequins.. They'd give them one arm, and then let the Starfish regrow a new arm in the sump..
Sick? Yes.. Cruel? Maybe.. It's an affordable way to feed these picky shrimp, it's also nature... Not exactly doing the method, but the whole process of feeding a beautiful starfish to this beautiful shrimp..
I really wanted a pair about 6 months ago, I never bought a pair because I don't think I'd have the heart to watch one of my favorite critters in the sea get devoured...
I'd definetly settle for something like a blood shrimp or cleaner.. They are pretty neat and not too bad looking.. Or go for a Coral Banded Shrimp.. I've had mine for 5 months now.. I hand feed him once every week or two, and he just scavenges around the tank for some pods and some left overs... They are hardy and I can always see most of my CBS's body from this overhang he chills under.. Either way you can notice the 5 inch tentacles sticking out.
Good luck!
Cheers.

 

[clownfish78]

I had a cbs shrimp in my 29g it can rather mean to the fish sometimes it has even pinch my fingers but it has token krill from my fingers a few times I also have 2 shunk cleaners in my 75 they are fun to watch I was wandering if a blood red might be fine with the skunk cleaners I think the CBs would liky kill it

 

[ozadars]

i used to have a harlequin shrimp. They are the coolest but they have a feeding problem
Usually lfs can kill starfish easily (starfish are hard to keep because), so you can collect the dead ones and put in the deep-freeze. Everyday cut a piece of starfish and give it to the harlequin. Dont know if frozen starfish still have enough nutrient tho? I used to do that but my harlequin died when i was on holiday