Harlequin Woes

[zrogst]

My indonesian blue-dot harlequin shrimp has been awesome - but I've always been on the lookout for a male hawaiian (purple/yellow) to pair her with. I was lucky enough to buy up the male hawaiian that was on sale at AquaTouch this weekend!

I've have had my dreams of beautiful harlequin love-pairing dashed, however. She's gotten rather... large... in her months with me. I would guess 2 and half inches - absolutely wrecks two full grown chocolate chips a month now. She doesn't appear to want to share her current meal, and in fact hunts and chases the new small (under 1") male. I'm afraid that the new male will starve if they do not pair.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Against my better judgement, I did physically pick up and place the male next to her - she took a few swings and he retreated unharmed. I'm afraid I'm going to have to rehome my blue-dot.

 

[tcamos]

I recommend cutting off one of the sea star's legs for the male. Place it on the opposite end of the tank from where you feed the female. That way they each have some food and he won't be tempted to take some of hers.