Let's talk about Harlequin shrimp

[gkaquatic]

so cute!!.... im mean.. Cool! (more manly) lol

 

[gozermantis]

lol thanks haha

 

[gozermantis]

Better focus in macro with the two together.

 

[graysmurf]

I think these are some of the coolest shrimp around and very strong for their size.

 

[Reefer577]

My harlequins have never showed any interest in my serpent stars, but they do have plenty of asterina stars to feed on so.... Mine will also hand feed if I fine a big, juicy star for them. Very smart shrimp.

I saw a pair of Hawaiian harlequin's at the store the other day. Very pretty but very expensive.

 

[gkaquatic]

pictures look really good REEFER77!! chillen in the zoo's. also love the flying harlequin pic.

i really want a pair of hawiians too they are so nice looking!

 

[Reefer577]

Thx! He was feeling like a super model today. ;]

 

[JokerGirl]

I noticed last night that my female is holding what I believe to be her first clutch of eggs. I thought it was strange that she was hiding out despite the presence of a starfish to feed on.

 

[E.intheC]

Erin, that's awesome! Hopefully you can raise them. (Actually, has anyone done that?)

I have a question- do harleys ever make a noise like other pistol shrimp make? I'm curious as I hear that noise every now and then

 

[JokerGirl]

I don't believe they have been raised much further than the first week or so of the larval stage. It'd be an interesting project if I could find the time to try it.

I've never heard mine make noise.

 

[gkaquatic]

I don't believe they have been raised much further than the first week or so of the larval stage

There hasn't been any luck in the hobbyist world with raising harlequin shrimp in captivity from what I've read. But I do know of a few labs and universities that are trying so, but not sure on the outcomes so far.

I, one day, plan on trying to raise harlequins. These shrimp are becoming more and more popular in the hobby for asterina star control. With all of these specimens being wild caught it really makes me worry. We all know how much of a dent these little guys can put in an over run star population in aquariums; think about what they can do in the wild with controlling stars. There is already a problem with crown of thorn stars on the Great Barrier Reef could a larger number of other stars in the wild cause damage as well?

We need to find a way, IN MY OPINION, to captive breed and raise harlequins in order to keep up with the grow demand for them in the hobby! I know first hand from working at a saltwater fish store over the last year that the demand has gone up quickly in the past few months from us getting a harley in once a month to almost always keeping one in the store.

*** If anyone finds any info on the progress of breeding harleys please post a link!!

 

[JokerGirl]

The real question in breeding them comes down to at what point do will the larva no longer eat copepods and start requiring starfish in their diet. Are there microstarfish that they feed on in the ocean?

That may be the trick to raising them to maturity.

 

[gkaquatic]

i think if u had the smallest stars you could find in with the larva/baby harlequins they would eventually start to eat them.

just an idea i had to try when i start.

 

[ashtree68]

Nice informative thread, may try and find some chocolate chips now and start the hunt for a harlequin.

Would the be okay with a couple clowns, a YWG and a pistol shrimp in a 24g cube?

 

[gkaquatic]

Id watch the pistol shrimp. Im not sure id add one to that system, because harlequins have little to no defense and pistols can kill with one snap. They guard their hole and not to say the harlequin would bother it but they may become a victim because a stroll passed.

 

[cainsable]

I have a small male,is it possable to add a female? would they pair up? or fight for territory.i have never tried to introduce another but would like to.is there anyone out there that has ever done this.

 

[cbr600rri]

I have a small male,is it possable to add a female? would they pair up? or fight for territory.i have never tried to introduce another but would like to.is there anyone out there that has ever done this.

Just make sure they're the opposite sex and they'll pair up. Same sex will always fight. Good luck!

 

[gkaquatic]

Just make sure they're the opposite sex and they'll pair up. Same sex will always fight. Good luck!

agreed. AND the same size! a large female will kill a smaller male. i posted a page or two back on how to sex harlequins check it out before buying a female. ive been looking a for a female the right size for my male for months now!

 

[cainsable]

the guys at bluezoo have been good to deal with i know they had a few.also i thought the male was allways smaller even if they were the same age.

 

[RobertK]

Does anyone know if my male melanurus wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus) will eat a harlequin shrimp?

Thanks,
Robert