Asterina stars gone wild

[panman]

I have an explosion of asterina stars. Historically they have come and gone, but now they are out of control. I have found that the largest ones are eating my pink zipper Zoas. I have lots of other zoas, but they are only ever on this one colony. I know harlequin shrimps will take care of the problem, but I have 3 other starfish in the tank, a tile fromia, blue linkia and a brittle star. Any one have any other suggestions?

 

[reefes pieces]

sump the desirable stars for now and let the harlequins go to town. Harlequins will decimate the asterinas in no time.

 

[chrono]

Second Reefes suggestion. 1 of them took care of my outbreak in no time. It's starting to get to where i need to get another one.

 

[panman]

Could do that, but what to do with him after asterinas are gone? Don't want to buy cc stars to feed it.Trade him to another reefer like sea hares? Maybe set up a want list for them.
I have read that wrasses like my melanarus and yellow coris will eat the harlequin.They have never shown any interest in my other shrimp, peppermint, banded, fire or cleaner. Any experience with harlequins be prededated on?

 

[Nick Shades]

Harlequins are such a beautiful addition both functionally as well as aesthetically, but as you have those larger stars you want, i would find out of you can get credit for it from your store or trade it.

Eventually i will have to do the same with mine, but i am unsure how i will catch it, as it perches on a very closed in rock protected from me easily grabbing it.

 

[panman]

So I purchased a harlequin shrimp today and it is already feasting on Asterina stars. I have moved my desirable stars into the sump. I do not want to keep the harlequin shrimp once he decimates my Asterinas. So, anyone interested in buying him for what I paid, $30, after he finishes his job can have him and then pass him (could be a her) to the next tank to carry on its mission eating Asterinas. Let me know if interested. I am guessing a couple of weeks to remove all asterinas, but we will see.

 

[Nick Shades]

I'm not sure what the rate which an asterina population decimated due to the presence of a harlequin shrimp, but while i have had mine for over a month and is still alive i question whether it is actually making any sort of impact.

My wife wants to make jewelry out of the numbers we have in our tank.

 

[RealBigFish]

Still have the shrimp?

 

[scribe]

Still have the shrimp?

I wish I saw this a few days ago I had a harlequin, damn

 

[RealBigFish]

Damn, I still can't find o e anywhere near me. I live in Fontana