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The chocolate chip starfish received a warm welcome (and a good cleaning from) Scampi. |
I thought I would get used to the process of feeding our Harlequin shrimp a live starfish every few weeks. (To read more about our spotted shrimp,
click here.) The first star was pretty sad, but I was sure it would become easier every time. Hmmm. Seems I might be too soft-hearted for this routine.
We added a chocolate chip starfish to the tank a few weeks ago and I was stricken with sadness over the thought that I had just sent him to his death. (The shrimp, of course, was delighted with his meal.)
After a long talk with my fiancé, I think I have come to the decision to remove the harlequin shrimp and take him back to the fish store. Capturing this reclusive little guy might require one final starfish sacrifice, but at least it will be the last. (I’ll bait our fish trap with a star and try to leave a small opening so the shrimp can enter the trap, but the starfish can’t escape.) If I’m lucky, I’ll be able to save that starfish before the shrimp starts chowing down.
I feel a little bummed that I won’t be able to successfully keep the harlequin shrimp. I guess I just don’t have the stomach for all the live sacrifice. Hopefully, a less-sensitive hobbyist will take him home and keep him well-fed and happy.
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