BumbleBee vs. Harlequin shrimp

[Chiefmaster30]

Will bumblebee shrimp eat asterina starfish like a harlequin shrimp? Or would I be wasting my time?

 

[sricorals]

Harlequin

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

They might eat them but since it is not their primary food source I wouldn't rely on them as a control method.

 

[Chiefmaster30]

Is it better to get a pair of harlequin shrimp or would 1 be enough?

 

[sricorals]

If only see 5-10 on glass, 1 would do.

 

[Chiefmaster30]

If only see 5-10 on glass, 1 would do.

When my glass is dirty I see 20 or 25 on glass.

 

[sricorals]

You may need 2, buy them from LFS where you can trade them back. Once all asterina gone it's too much work to keep harlequin.

 

[DSC reef]

When my glass is dirty I see 20 or 25 on glass.

One harlequin will wipe them out quickly. You might need to return the harlequin due to them eating the asterinas quickly. We got one and I'm really surprised how quickly it took down our infestation. We almost got 2 and glad we didn't. We easily had 70 plus on the back wall in the mornings.

 

[Chiefmaster30]

One harlequin will wipe them out quickly. You might need to return the harlequin due to them eating the asterinas quickly. We got one and I'm really surprised how quickly it took down our infestation. We almost got 2 and glad we didn't. We easily had 70 plus on the back wall in the mornings.

What size roughly was it? Do you remember?

 

[DSC reef]

Pretty much adult size. He's very interesting to watch in the tank and hunt

 

[Chiefmaster30]

Pretty much adult size. He's very interesting to watch in the tank and hunt

I need one but I don’t no what to do with him when I’m done

 

[DSC reef]

We've grown attached to the little guy so we might start feeding him or rehome him. They are really cool though.

 

[hawkeye792001]

How do get them out of a reef tank once they take care of the stars?

I'm finally clearing up hair algea and I'm seeing huge amounts of coraline being eaten.