Harlequin shrimp

by **graniteguy** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 2:49 pm

our tank is doing well. we put in a harlequin with it's food source, a chocolate chip star, and it only lasted four days. can anyone offer insight as to why this beautiful, but delicate creature would die? we have bubble anenomes, and coral, a banded shrimp a few fish. lots of live rock and coral substrate.

by **dick_headers** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:04 pm

Which ones lasted 4 days, the harlequin shrimp or the chocolate star?

by **dick_headers** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:26 pm

I suppose it's your Harlequin shrimp. Harlequins and basically any members of shrimp colonys are very sensitive creatures. You have to pay serious attention when you acclimate them. However I always use the drip acclimation method when I introduce shrimp into my tank. Fishes and other inverts I go with the floating bag method. You got the shrimp from a trustful and healthy store? Shrimps are also very sensitive for quick parameter changings ( ph, salinity, etc..). If you have already high nitrate levels in your water, that could be a possible cause of death. Have you seen her eating? Your banded shrimp might attacked her, they can tell is shes a strong or a weak one...

by **saltwaterpimp** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:28 pm

also do you add iodine.shrimps need this to molt..are you shure its not molting?

by **dick_headers** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:30 pm

sure,
i didn't even think of that.. Mine just molted about 2 days ago...

by **saltwaterpimp** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:32 pm

dude that would suck if he tossed it and it was molting..

by **dick_headers** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:36 pm

well... she wouldn't let toss herself away without resisting

by **angus4481** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 4:56 pm

its a common mistake, did it myself. i threw my sallyfoot crab away, didn't know bout how they molt. at least i know better now.

by **graniteguy** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 12:44 pm

Thanks to all. I believe my coral banded might have killed her. He was above her when i found her

Harlequin shrimp

9 posts