Harlequin Shrimp Feeding

[Pier Pressure]

Hi, everyone.

I picked up a Harlequin shrimp about a month ago at Golds and this thing has completely devoured all of the small white starfish in my tank. I bought him a big starfish and he ate it in about two days. Now he is twice the size of when I bought him, but is looking hungry again.

I do not have a sump so I cannot buy a starfish and just break off a leg to feed. Does anyone know where to get starfish at a decent price? I checked all LFS on the weekend and they all want to sell great big ones for $20+. That is pretty expensive for food!

[kwirky]

what about buying a HOB filter to house a few starfish? turn it all the way down?

[Pier Pressure]

I only have a 28 gallon and it already has a HOB skimmer, pumps, etc. There is no room for any more equipment. I thought about putting the starfish into a breeder net but that is not very attractive.

When I bought him, I thought the little white starfish in my tank would keep it going but no luck as the shrimp has already eaten them all. Thanks for the advice, though.

[Patrick1]

I also keep a few. I had some in a smaller tank with no sump a couple of years ago. I tossed a larg star fish in the freezer and every couple of days cut a half inch chunk off and tossed it in. Worked well. Less cruel and the starfish keeps for a long time.

[Pier Pressure]

Thank you very much for that idea. We shall have to try that. I don't like the idea of freezing a starfish but after I saw what that shrimp did to the last one I threw in - well, lets just say the starfish would be better off frozen!

[Chaloupa]

I have been wanting to post a thread on whether or not harlequins would eat Asterina star fish (those little white ones you most likely had) and you have answered my question! Now I'll have to find one for my 150g