Harlequin Starfish

[reefscrub_]

Hello, so I got a pair of harlequin shrimp 3 days ago. One is male and the other is female, the lfs sold them as a mated pair.

I put a chocolate chip starfish in with them and they stay on top of it all day. The male is constantly trying to flip it over but the female is not helping, she just stands there next to him.

If I flip it over myself the male instant attacks the tube feet but the female does nothing.

Are there any harlequin keepers here who can guide me in the right direction?

I feel like after 3 days they should’ve already took a leg off.

My parameters are 1.026, .25 ammonia per api, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate, .02 phosphate, 10dkh, 500cal, 1300mag.
Temp 77.

I’m tempted to go pick up some asterinas to feed at least the male. As the female does not seem hungry at all.

 

[CoralB]

I would go somewhere and check your ammonia with something other that api . You should have zero 0r close to .

 

[reefscrub_]

I would go somewhere and check your ammonia with something other that api . You should have zero 0r close to .

Negative, the female just shed her skeleton. She was molting. Will update tomorrow to see if she’s eating. I know they need some time for the new shell to harden. Also will not be sleeping tonight seeing as the chocolate chip will try to eat my coral over night. =\