Harelquin shrimp in a 2.5 gal pico

[jaybfresh]

Doable? Inhumane? Dinner?

 

[magdelan]

I suspect that it would be doable but ONLY if you know what you are getting yourself into. They ONLY feed on starfish (fromia and lynchia) and should be kept in pairs as they usually double team their meal. They will keep their starfish alive by feeding it until it is nearly consumed. In a small pico as you wish to keep, it is imperative to do IMO a weekly 1g water change. These shrimp do NOT do well with Nitrates. Adults can be kept with asterina stars as they do not need such a "Hungry Man" meal. Best of luck.

 

[jaybfresh]

Thanks... understand the dietary restrictions and the nutritional havok that will wreak in such a small tank. I was mostly concerned about space restrictions. They would be the only inhabitants (other than starfish )

 

[magdelan]

I'm not a pro on this subject but I'd imagine that they'd be fine. They aren't like tangs where they need a lot of space to swim. Just keep em happy with food and they should be fine.

 

[fatrip]

yea the only problem will be keeping trits and phosphates and ammonia levels down. but it can be done you just need to be on top of the chemistry for them to stay alive.

 

[Johnny C]

I would add some Asternia Stars to both the 2.5G and a refugium [prior to adding the Harlequin] so that you have a constant supply. I imagine that constantly feeding it Fromias/Linkias would pollute your tank quickly. Either way, post pictures of the pico if/when you get it running!

 

[kase]

Will a sixline wrasse eat these little suckers

 

[jaybfresh]

Well I wake up to HUNDREDS of Asterina stars in my main tank every morning. Partially where this whole idea came from. Though from what I read, it can be difficult to get them to east Asterinas