advice on asterina outbreak
- Thread starter congo32
- Start date
- Tagged users None
asterina's or astrea's?
Those are asterina's. 
They are a big PITA. How long have you had the harlequin's? They worked great for me.
They are a big PITA. How long have you had the harlequin's? They worked great for me.
Give them some time and they will clean house.
Give them some time and they will clean house.
I'm starting to see more and more of these as well in my tank. Are the harlequins completely reef safe for LPS and SPS? Sounds like it - just want to get your opinion....how many did you guys get to fix the problem?
Thanks guys....
On my 180g i had 2 of them within weeks they cleaned the whole tank .. I must have had 300-500 of them and at one point my wife called me up saying your tank is infested or something is wrong as the asterina's gone wild.. Yes they are reef safe...
Thanks Steve. I read that the "food of choice" for the harlequins is the suckers on starfish....I have two sandsifters - guess I'll need to take them out?
Are yours still in Steve or did you take them out afterwards?
jordan3548
Well-Known Member
If I got one of those shrimp would it be able to eat my serpent star? Hes about 8 inches in diameter just wondering because ive always wanted one but that starfish is my son he wanted one for christmas lol hes only 4 and I dont want it eatin
ficklefins
Super Duper Moderator
I really wish people would stop picking up harlequin shrimp and start moving towards Bumble bee shrimps instead. Imagine having the same capabilities of a harlequin without the requirements of feeding them starfish legs once everything in your tank is gone.
Saltwater Aquarium Invertebrates for Marine Aquariums: Bumble Bee Shrimp
The Bumble Bee Shrimp, also known as the Striped Harlequin Shrimp, is common throughout the Indo-Pacific. They are small shrimp only attaining a maximum size of 1 inch. Their body is yellow or white in coloration with black stripes giving them a similar appearance to a bumblebee. The legs and tail may also have orange markings. These shrimp are similar to Harlequin shrimp and feed upon the tube feet of echinoderms.
The Bumble Bee Shrimp is best kept as pairs in a small nano aquarium with moderate light to accommodate easy viewing. They cannot tolerate copper or high nitrates, and iodine levels must be correct and maintained to ensure proper molting.
The Bumble Bee Shrimp will feed upon the tube feet of echinoderms, but do not require them for survival. Offer them pieces of frozen meaty foods such as brine or mysis shrimp, cockle, or small pieces of fish. They should be offered these foods daily.
Saltwater Aquarium Invertebrates for Marine Aquariums: Bumble Bee Shrimp
The Bumble Bee Shrimp, also known as the Striped Harlequin Shrimp, is common throughout the Indo-Pacific. They are small shrimp only attaining a maximum size of 1 inch. Their body is yellow or white in coloration with black stripes giving them a similar appearance to a bumblebee. The legs and tail may also have orange markings. These shrimp are similar to Harlequin shrimp and feed upon the tube feet of echinoderms.
The Bumble Bee Shrimp is best kept as pairs in a small nano aquarium with moderate light to accommodate easy viewing. They cannot tolerate copper or high nitrates, and iodine levels must be correct and maintained to ensure proper molting.
The Bumble Bee Shrimp will feed upon the tube feet of echinoderms, but do not require them for survival. Offer them pieces of frozen meaty foods such as brine or mysis shrimp, cockle, or small pieces of fish. They should be offered these foods daily.
