Harlequin Shrimp
<Greets - JasonC here, at your service.>
Do Harlequin Shrimp eat Cucumbers too?
<not in my experience>
I know that they eat Echinoderms but Cucumbers are somewhat different I think, even though they do have the 5 part mouth which is why they are an Echinoderm.
<Actually, the phylum, Echinodermata, of which Cukes and Seastars are both members means 'spiny skinned' - you can check them both out on WWM:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seastars.htm 
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seacukes.htm >
I don't know that's why I am asking. Also, if I got a pair of Harlequin
Shrimp, how often should I toss a starfish in the tank for them to consume.
<I feed mine one chip every two to three weeks, give or take. It's not really an exact science. I have a single Hymenocera elegans, and this particular specimen is fairly large for a harlequin shrimp. She wastes absolutely no time getting to the Seastar and will usually do-in a 2.5" specimen in two to three weeks, and smaller stars can go quite quickly - nothing left but the chips. I usually then wait until the shrimp makes regular appearances around and about the tank before I drop the next meal, which is usually not much longer than a week or two. Did I mention that I don't see it very often?>
(I will be getting some small Blue Linckias and Chocolate Chip Stars) Thanks, Tim
<As a final note, I usually limit my feeding stars to chocolate chips as they are among the most common and inexpensive. A Linckia Seastar in this area is quite expensive for what you are actually getting [isn't really a lot to a Seastar] and more of a decorative species than the lowly chocolate chip. Do keep in mind that while the Hymenocera will discriminate between a Cuke and a Seastar, it will not hesitate to kill and eat your favorite Fromia, so feed wisely. Cheers, J -->

Harlequin shrimp/Emerald crab question
Greetings, JasonC here.
I've not actually heard that Emerald crabs can be a threat to Harlequin Shrimp directly. That being said, there aren't many crabs that can be trusted much farther than you can throw them. They're quite often too opportunistic for their own good, and the well being of other tank inhabitants.
I do know from my own Hymenocera that they will use their flat paddle-like forelegs to wave about and chase off the too-curious.
I would just keep an eye on the crabs.
Good luck,
J --

Harlequin Shrimp and Wrasse
Dear Crew:
<Scott F. here today>
I would very much like to put a Harlequin Shrimp pair in my 58 gallon reef.  I realize their eating requirements.....starfish only.  The inhabitants of my tank include a royal Gramma, pajama cardinal, midas blenny, 2 neon gobies and a 6-line wrasse.  It's the wrasse I'm worried about.  Would it bother the Harlequins?  Thanks for your help......Janey
<Well Janey, there is no 100% guarantee, but if it were me- I'd feel comfortable with this combination. Keep in mind that a larger Sixline wrasse could potentially attack a shrimp-not likely, but not outside the realm of possibility, either! Regards, Scott F.

- Copepods & Harlequin Shrimp -
Hi!
My harlequin shrimp recently molted (there were several pieces of shell and all her legs).  I don't believe she survived.
<Hold out hope, shrimp often go into hiding after a molt.>
  My tank has a significant population of copepods - can copepods attack a vulnerable harlequin shrimp?
<I suppose that is possible, but not probably. What is most likely is that the shrimp simply didn't live long after the molt - molting is an exhausting process and many crustaceans succumb during and after the process. Still, I'd hold out for it to still show up - best way to find out is to toss a Seastar in there... it will need nourishment after molting.>
 Thanks for your help!
Tracy L.
<Cheers, J -- >

Harlequin Shrimp diet 9/28/04
I had a few questions regarding the eating habits of the harlequin shrimp.  First would the shrimp eat brittle stars?
<They target primarily the tube feet, so brittle stars should be safe (safer?).> <<Uh, no. RMF>>
Second when the harlequins eat the chocolate chip could the chocolate chip eat any of my corals?  
<Chocolate chips are fairly indiscriminate feeders and may damager corals.>
Third, are the shrimp reclusive?  I've seen some mixed opinions on the last question and was wondering your opinion.  Thanks, Willis  
<IME, they are no more reclusive than other ornamental shrimps, especially once they become comfortable with their surroundings.   Best Regards.  Adam>

Multiple pairs of Harlequin Shrimp  9/6/06
I recently bought a pair of Hawaiian Harlequin shrimp that I've had for a couple months.  I'm looking at buying another mated pair and keeping them in the same tank.  I currently have my pair in an 8 gallon nanocube.  Do you know anything about the compatibility of multiple pairs of Harlequin shrimp?
Thanks!
<Yes... Gnathophylliids are not compatible in such small volumes. Bob Fenner>