Are peppermint shrimp starfish eaters?

[PTPuffers]

I got home today and something had tore the legs off my new Purple Linkia (bought 4 days ago) and my little orange fromia (4mo. old). My first thought was a preditor crab that i did not know was in there or a big bristle worm. But after some thought i realized the linkia was about 12 inches up the front of the tank on the glass. I dont think a crab or bristle worm can climb glass. I put the linkia in a plastic container with little holes in it to try and save it and the peppermint shrimp wont leave it alone, they are reaching through the holes to try and get at him. I was just wondering if anyone has heard of the shrimp doing anything like this. or any suggestions on what it might be would be greatly apprieciated. the shrimp are 2-3 inches


thanks for any help
Gary

 

[NaH2O]

I have a question on your acclimation technique? I'm not suggesting this is the case because your orange fromia also has missing legs. Just thought I'd bring up the fact that stars need to be acclimated sloooooowwwwllllyyy.

My first instinct tells me there is something else in your tank unexpected, that did this, and the shrimp are being opportunistic. Their little pincers can only do so much. A crab, on the other hand...could just chop. Just because the star was on the glass doesn't mean it happened while there. Keep an eye out - I wouldn't rule out the shrimp....although I've never heard of it.....yet. I could definately be wrong.

What do you guys think?

 

[PTPuffers]

I spent at least two hours acclimating him. adding 1/2 ounce of water every 2-3 minutes

 

[NaH2O]

Here are some photos of an unsuccessful acclimation: Blue Linckia Poor Acclimation

The previous link was from this site: Starfish Acclimatisation

I'm not saying this was the cause, but trying to toss out other potential scenarios.

Another article: Sea Stars -Linckia sp. by Rob Toonen

 

[MtnDewMan]

Besides poor water quality and poor acclimation or unexpected predators in the tank, here is an example of a Linkia's worst nightmare ....