Snowflake and Harlequin

[berner]

Hello:

Has anyone had success in keeping a Snowflake Moray in the same tank as a Harlequin shrimp? I've had the Moray for about 6 months in a reef tank with other inverts such as Fire shrimp and Emerald crabs... with no casualties. Any thoughts at all to adding a Harlequin to the mix?

Thanks in advace for your comments.

 

[steve-s]

Not a good idea. The cleaner shrimp and the crab are both defensive species that will usually hide or beat a hasty retreat when threatened. The Harlequin will actually stand it's ground and against an eel...

I have (like you) kept many species of crustacea with a SFE without too much problem. This one though I'd not risk.

If you want to successfully keep a Harlequin, set up a small(er) species specific system and get a pair.

 

[berner]

Thanks for the quick reply Steve. That's pretty consistent with what I was thinking but wanted to verify. Funny to think that the Harlequin would attempt to stand it's ground against a gaping mouth... the 'fight or flight' gene in the Harlequin seems a little confused.

Thanks again!