Asterina stars, how do i get rid of them??

[lou dog420]

Do they have any natural predators? My tank is loaded with them.

 

[Birddog]

harlequin shrimp

 

[Roy 9121]

I don't think there is anything that is reef safe that will eat them. I would pick as many out as you can, then cut back your feeding a little. They're really not that big a problem, except that they can get pretty obnoxious. I think there are some chemical treatments you can use, but I would try to do it without chemicals if possible.

 

[WWIII]

Harlequin shrimp only eat starfish.

 

[Roy 9121]

harlequin shrimp

The only problem with that is, once there all gone, the shrimp will starve. And if you have any other starfish in your tank, they'll eat them also.

 

[Tyler_Fishman]

Well, it comes down to this: are the asterinas eating your coral or algae? If it's algae I would not do it, if coral: by all means get rid of them, it may sound cruel but honestly sacraficing one shrimp for the greater good of your tank is honestly the best option, or you can find someone who would like a harlequin shirimp

 

[Roy 9121]

Well, it comes down to this: are the asterinas eating your coral or algae? If it's algae I would not do it, if coral: by all means get rid of them, it may sound cruel buy honestly sacraficing one shrimp for the greater good of your tank is honestly the best option, or you can find someone who would like a harlequin shirimp

I would have to agree with this. If you don't have any other star fish, one shrimp is a small price to pay.

 

[lou dog420]

Are harlequin shrimp compatible with cleaner shrimp??

 

[Roy 9121]

I would have to agree with this. If you don't have any other star fish, one shrimp is a small price to pay.

Are harlequin shrimp compatible with cleaner shrimp??

I think so.

 

[DSC reef]

Bongo shrimp will clear out asterina stars but they eat brittle starfish too. You'll have good success if you pull the asterinas out every morning as you turn the lights on.

 

[dieselkeeper]

I used a harlequin shrimp several times. The shrimp ended up starving to death. The starfish usually comes back. Apparently there is starfish in the overflow, sump, refugium. Only to pop up months or a year later. Happen to me twice. I'm now pulling them out, one at a time, as I see them.