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Sk8r
06/19/2006, 02:19 AM
Got two of these as a solution for some coraline eating starfish: these shrimp have the same habit as the harlequin shrimp, but are not exclusively starfish eaters.

They're about the size of a horsefly, have a tail like a dolphin, a body posture and movement like a lobster on the make, and a fine gold and black transverse striping, hence the name. If they swim, they look even more like a horsefly. And they're fast, when they do.

I was afraid they'd go down the overflow, but one of them has been neatly negotating the overflow teeth, peering in and wandering on.

The peppermint shrimp has not offered to bother them.

It remains to see how they do against the multiplying starfish.

iamwhatiam52
06/19/2006, 11:14 PM
Bumblebee shrimp are amazing little beasts but I don't believe they eat starfish.
They do associate with urchins, especially Diadema, and may snack on the tube feet.

Let us know if yours do prey on starfish.

Sk8r
06/20/2006, 12:08 AM
I've read that they'll go for the tube feet on starfish as well. Here's hoping, because the pest could get out of hand.

Frostyeel
06/20/2006, 11:06 AM
Whatever they decide to eat they still look cool. :D :cool:

EDGRAY
06/20/2006, 01:48 PM
yeah they kinda do feed on stafish feet but also they eat any meaty food that is provided and if you provide enough meaty food i bet will leave the starfish be...

Javeo
06/21/2006, 06:27 AM
They feed on all echinoderm's tube feet. I have one which attacks the sand sifting cuke, the filter feeding cuke, the serpent star and the formia star.