Question on harlequin shrimps

[garvin90]

Im curious about adding a harlequin shrimp to my reef but I have 2 questions: 1. will the harlequin pick on/be picked upon by my colony of grass shrimps and 2. are they exclusive in the starfish they devour or will they be a threat to my asterina and miny brittle stars?

 

[LeslieH]

What are you calling grass shrimp? The ones I know by that name are normally found in east coast estuaries and wouldn't be sold for salt water tanks. As to food preference, harlequins will eat most kinds of stars and Asterina is definitely on the menu.

 

[garvin90]

Palaemontes Vulgavis is the species type of shrimp i have.

 

[LeslieH]

Ah, that grass shrimp! I believe these are pretty peaceful detritus eaters & shouldn't bother a harlequin.

 

[LeslieH]

Ah, that grass shrimp! I believe these are pretty peaceful detritus eaters & shouldn't bother a harlequin. Harlequins are rated fairly peaceful to semi-aggressive on various web sources but without specific information as to whether they would attack other shrimp. I'm sure there are lots of RC members who have experience with them & can advise you.