Harlequin shrimp question...

[kschweer]

I have a problem with asterina stars and want to put a harlequin in the tank. My question is will my coral banded shrimp bother the harlequin? And info would be great.

Thanks,
-Kevin

 

[fraggingfish]

Coral banded shrimp are territorial, I would advise only to introduce a pair of harlequins, if not none at all.

The coral banded will more than likely kill the harlequin. Harlequins are slow, compared to your average shrimp.
I have my pair with a bunch of cleaners, fire and peppermints fine but ended up fighting with the coral banded so I removed the coral banded.

 

[caudill187]

I'm not sure about compatibility with the coral banded shrimp, so I would go with the experienced opinion above, but I do know they will wipe out your asterinas. The medium sized ones are best at this, in my experience.

 

[fraggingfish]

They will definitely clean house, no asterina in sight.
You'll be forced to let them take a tour from house to house.

 

[kschweer]

So I put my coral banded shrimp in my frag tank and put the harlequin in the tank. Woke up this morning and asterinas everywhere I guess they know he is in there.

 

[rgrking]

The harlequin will eat every star you have. Be prepared to but more stars in the future. It takes about two weeks for them to eat an average chocolate chip star. They can defend themselves. They are slow, but take it from me, the pinchers work. I was harassing mine one day and it got me. I had thousands of the little white stars and I don't see any anymore. My pair has been in there for about 6 months. Good luck with them.