Clownfish are hardy and easy to keep, and are a perfect first fish for a new aquarium. Most species are available tank bred. They are omnivorous and easy to feed on high quality food items such as frozen Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and dry foods, preferably more than once a day.Clownfish are well known for their charming wiggling way of swimming, which serves them well in their natural home, within the stinging tentacles of an anemone. The exact reason clownfish are not stung is not known, but it may have something to do with the fish's slime coat. In the ocean, without the protection of the anemone, clownfish would be easily picked off by predators. In an aquarium the anemone, which has much more demanding needs than the fish, is not necessary. The fish may instead host with a soft coral such as furry mushrooms, toadstool leather, colt coral, or even within macro algae. It may chose to host within large polyp stony corals such as Euphyllia sp. as well, however the coral does sting the fish. We don't recommend encouraging them to host with delicate corals such as bubble or brain type corals, which the fish may injure with its constant swimming. Even with an anemone in the aquarium the fish will chose to host with whichever home it likes best.Clownfish may be kept singly, or more commonly in pairs, in which case the smallest more submissive fish remains a male, and the largest most dominant fish changes sex to become a female. Clowns are related to damselfish, and pairs will not tolerate other species of clownfish within their territory (which may include 50 gallons of space or more) and may fight to the death. They are prone to parasitic infections such as Brooklynella and velvet.It is common for pairs of clownfish to spawn in the aquarium, and pairs in their prime may lay eggs near their nest site as often as every two weeks. It is not necessary to interfere with the parents, who may become more aggressive at this time, chasing away other fish and nipping at their owner's hands. It is possible, though laborious, to raise the young fish at home. If a breeding effort is to be attempted it is important to ensure the parent fish are of the same species in order to maintain genetic purity for future generations.Ephippium complex clownfish are similar to Clarkii and Tomato complex clownfish. They may grow up to 5 inches and need an aquarium at least 30 gallons. The different types of Ephippium complex clownfish include Barrier, Fiji Ruby and Mcculloch among others. Species from other complexes in their territory usually causes fighting.Ephippium complex clownfish are best kept singly or in pairs. They may host with Bubble Tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor), Beaded (Heteractis aurora), Magnifica/Ritteri (Heteractis magnifica), Carpet (Stichodactyla sp.), and Sebae (Heteractis crispa). The McCulloch clownfish is more specialized, and may only host with Bubble Tip and sometimes Sebae anemones.The Fire clownfish has the color of darkened embers on its midbody, radiating out to hotter oranges and reds towards its extremities. As a juvenile it has a single white stripe behind its eye and no dark patch on its body.
Shrimp are active, entertaining and easy to keep. They shed their shells as they grow, and afterwards need to hide in the rock until their new shell hardens. Shrimp are highly excitable when food is present, and will do anything to get it. Some species may pester corals by attempting to reach food the coral has eaten. In this situation the shrimp should be provided food first. Large individuals may catch and consume smaller species.The spectacular Fire shrimp is deep scarlet red with stark white accents. It is also known as the Scarlet Cleaner or Blood shrimp. Its long white whiskers communicate to fishes that it may clean them of parasites and old skin. It may not however cure an aquarium of ICH or other parasites; its main benefit is to lower the fishes stress. The Fire shrimp spends most of its time within the rockwork and emerges at night or feeding time. It is social and may form pairs; all specimens are hermaphrodites. It grows up to 2 inches and is easy to feed on fish food.
The Firefish packs a lot to love into a small package. It has a passive nature and a fiery color scheme. Its face is bright yellow and its tail is like red-hot embers. Its midbody is even hotter, burning pure white. Its first dorsal fin is a high spike which is nearly always holds erect, sometimes flicking it up and down in an attractive manner. As long as tank mates are similarly peaceful it will swim in the open water where it can be enjoyed. They are best kept one firefish per aquarium or they tend to bully each other and bite off the long dorsal fin. Males and females are visually identical. It grows up to 3 inches; we recommend an aquarium 10 gallons or larger.Dart gobies are extremely peaceful and do best with other mild-mannered fish. When threatened many dart gobies, with the exception of firefish, may quickly dive under the sand for cover. The firefish prefers to hide within the rockwork. A fine sand bed of at least two inches, but preferably deeper, will offer a safe refuge. Flat rocks placed on the sand will further help in creating a natural environment. We recommend the tank be securely covered as gobies may be prone to jumping from open top aquaria. It is normal for them to be quite shy when initially introduced, however once settled in they prefer to spend time in the open. Gobies are primarily carnivores and their diet should include plenty of high quality meaty items, marine algae, Spirulina, and frozen Mysis shrimp. It is preferable to feed at least twice a day and to let some food land on the bottom of the aquarium if the dart goby has not yet earned to eat from the water column. Frozen food is best, however in time they may learn to eat dry foods.As one of the largest families of fish there are near countless varieties of gobies which inhabit every different niche on the reef. They are coral safe and typically quite active and friendly with other fish. They have the ability to change sex to form pairs, although they don't always do so. Most gobies are imported from the Philippines.Gobies are diminutive fish typically with elongated bodies, and as such we do not recommend any aggressive or large-mouthed fish to be kept with them; this includes all groupers, snappers, sweetlips, soapfish, lionfish, eels, goatfish, anglers/frogfish, leaf fish, etc.
The Flag Fin angel is an extremely bright yellow color over most of its body and makes an impressive display. The lower edge of its anal fin is edged in black, giving it its common name. However, it also has a black spot over its eyes, dark lips, and dark irises, giving it another common name, the Three Spot angelfish. Males and females are visually identical. The Flag Fin angel can grow to be approximately 10 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 125 gallons. It does not appreciate living with other large angelfish and may become aggressive to them, however it is typically non-aggressive with other types of fish.Angelfish may nip on many types of corals, especially LPS corals, clam mantles, sponges, and sometimes soft corals. They do not typically bother SPS corals or other types of invertebrates. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, Sponge matter, frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, and other high quality meaty items. It should be fed 2-3 times a day.
The Flame angel is one of the most popular fish to be collected from the Christmas Islands. It is overall a bright reddish-orange color with black bands running vertically across the body. Blueish black marks also adorn its rear fins. Males and females are visually identical. The Flame angel can grow to be up to 4 inches long and needs an aquarium of at least 70 gallons. It does not appreciate living with other angelfish and may become aggressive to them, however it is typically non-aggressive with other types of fish. If several dwarf angelfish are to be kept together the aquarium must be large enough and they must all be added at the same time.Angelfish may nip on many types of corals, especially LPS corals, clam mantles, sponges, and sometimes soft corals. They do not typically bother other types of invertebrates. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, Sponge matter, frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, and other high quality meaty items. It should be fed 2-3 times a day.
The Flame Cardinal fish is a deep rosy red all over. It has a large eye and fins that stand upright. There are many very similar species which are all grouped as Flame cardinals; most have a few dark blotches over their eyes or bodies. Males and females are visually identical. It grows up to 4 inches.The Flame Cardinal is a peaceful, reef safe fish. It prefers to live alone or with a mate; it does not school well, however it is peaceful towards other types of fish. They are typically safe with invertebrates; however, it has a large mouth and may attack small shrimp or tiny fish. They are easy to feed on a variety of frozen foods, but may need time to adapt to dry food.It prefers an aquarium with some overhangs and caves which it may spend time in during the day. Cardinals are hardy and do not require much swimming space compared to other fish. We recommend an aquarium of at least 30 gallons for a single fish and 50 gallons or larger for more than one individual.
The Red Scallop has blazing scarlet tentacles emerging from its mantle creating a spectacular display. It can open and close its shell to move itself and find a shady cave to live in. Once it is comfortable it sends out threads from its foot to secure itself. It is a peaceful filter feeding animal which requires additions of phytoplankton in order to thrive. It may be pestered by predatory snails and crabs, and some fish that may nip on their mantles such as angelfish and butterflyfish. It may grow up to 3.5 inches.
Foxface are also known as Rabbitfish because of their incredible appetites for greens. They will eat nearly any type of food offered, including dry foods, but it is important to ensure they receive enough algae otherwise they become tempted to nibble on coral. Some species are more prone to this behavior than others. In the wild many species live amongst Acropora sp. and nibble algae off of the coral. When they do eat coral it is typically soft or LPS types. They do not harm any other type of invertebrate and are generally friendly towards all fish. Many species are found as pairs in the wild, and it is possible to keep two specimens together in a sufficiently large aquarium if they are of different sizes. It is best to add the two fish together, or the smaller individual first. In all other instances foxface usually bicker with each other. Foxface are quite hardy and may be added to newly set up aquariums.As herbivores foxface prefer to hide when threatened, and may change their color to a brown blotchy pattern to camouflage. This coloration is also normal during rest periods and may be visible in the morning. Foxface have shiny eyes that often appear to shimmer a turquoise color but may also at times appear glossed over. They also have a toxin in their dorsal fin rays which may cause a welt like a wasp sting. It is important to be cautious of these spines when handling the fish in a net. This defense means most aggressive fish will not bother them. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Foxface are often employed to rid aquariums of nuisance algae, and they often consume algaes that other herbivores won't touch. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen Mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered at least once every two days.This fantastically colored fish makes a great addition to almost any aquarium. It is bright sunny yellow all over, except for its snowy white face with a black mask like a raccoon, and black chest. It is commonly available from Bali and the Philippines. Because of their similar coloration, if this fish is to be kept with a yellow tang we recommend the foxface be added first, or it may be pestered by the tang. The Yellow Foxface grows to 9 inches and should be kept in an aquarium of at least 125 gallons.
This coral receives most of its energy by utilizing the photosynthetic algae contained within its tissues. It can also absorb dissolved nutrients from the water and may be offered zooplankton coral preparations, rotifers, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, oyster eggs, etc.Although Euphyllia corals can be quite hardy and not prone to pests, they are not tolerant of poor water quality and may fail to extend their polyps. Physical damage to the coral should be avoided at all cost, as it is prone to infectious brown jelly infection.This coral should be provided with plenty of space as it may produce long, powerful sweeper tentacles; low water flow helps to minimize the growth of these tentacles.This coral has clusters of long tentacles, each one branched with rounded tips in a contrasting hue, resembling a mass of amphibian eggs. The tips may also bring to mind the suction cups along an octopus’s arms. Ultra Australian colors are always exceedingly bright and impressive, and usually fluorescence brightly under actinic lighting.Water flow is best provided as turbulent flow with the use of a wave maker or surge action. Constant laminar flow is very damaging and could cause death of the coral. Alkalinity, calcium, magnesium and strontium are required for growth and should be checked regularly. Difficulty: Intermediate Growth Speed: Medium - Fast Lighting:Medium Average Placement: Middle - High
Water Flow: Low - Medium
Temperament: Aggressive
German Blue Ram Mikrogeophagus ramirezi The Ram is a popular choice in the hobby for those who don't keep large aquariums but are interested in cichlids. Not only are they more peaceful than their larger relatives, but they are also remarkably social amongst other peaceful tank mates. They typically max out at the size of 3 inches and are best suited for a tank of at least 20 gallons. They don't do well in schooling quantities but will pair off with one other Ram. Plenty of open swimming space, hiding spaces amongst foliage, and hidden caves will keep these Rams feeling safe in their new home. Offering them a diet of quality flake food, pellet food, and brine shrimp will keep them at their healthiest. German Blue Ram Specifics The German Blue Ram is a peaceful fish that grows to 2.75 inches. They like their water temperature to be between 72-79oF, a pH of 5.0-7.4.
This coral receives some of its energy by utilizing the photosynthetic algae contained within its tissues. It also requires dissolved nutrients in the water and frequent feedings of phytoplankton and fine zooplankton, coral snow, and coral preparations such as Two Little Fishies Goniopower. Newly acquired specimens should be acclimated to intense light levels slowly to avoid bleaching. Few pests will bother it aside from syllid worms and flat worms. It is recommended to secure the coral so it does not fall off the rockwork, which may lead to brown jelly infections. This is one of the most difficult corals to keep and is recommended only to expert aquarists.Flowerpot may be either Goniopora, which has 24 tentacles, or Alveopora, which has 12 tentacles. Both Goniopora and Alveopora may have very long polyps while their relative, Porites, has very short polyps. They are sometimes called lemon coral because of their appearance when the polyps are retracted.Because of its requirement for frequent feeding it makes an excellent tank-mate with carnation, sun coral, filter-feeding gorgonians, chili sponge, as well as invertebrates such as sponges, tunicates, porcelain crabs, feather duster worms including those living within Porites coral, clams and oysters, cucumbers and sea apples, etc. Space should be provided between corals to allow for growth and expansion, as its polyps may be up to 12” long and have a strong sting.Without a doubt Flowerpot is one of the most alluring corals available. Its polyps dance and sway in the water, making for an incredible addition to the right aquarium. The purple variety may be deep violet to delicate lavender in hue. Ultra Australian colors are always exceedingly bright and impressive, and usually fluorescence brightly under actinic lighting.Water flow is best provided as turbulent flow with the use of a wave maker or surge action. Constant laminar flow is very damaging and could cause death of the coral. Alkalinity, calcium, magnesium and strontium are required for growth and should be checked regularly. Difficulty: Advanced Growth Speed: Slow Lighting: Medium - High Average Placement: Middle Water Flow: Low - Medium Temperament: Aggressive
Chromis are active, coral -safe fish with bright colors. They are typically safe with invertebrates; however, some large species may attack small shrimp. Most species can be kept in schools together with their own kind, and we find a minimum of 6 to be the ideal number. They are known to be normally non-aggressive, although they may chase smaller fish. We recommend an aquarium of at least 30 gallons for chromis which grow to 3 Inches, and at least 50 for larger species and schools of multiple individuals.Chromis are typically easy to feed on a variety of frozen or dried meaty and vegetable foods. Chromis are hardy and able to survive a wide array of aquarium conditions. They are related to damselfish and clownfish.A common import from the Philippines and Bali, this is one of the most popular fish to cycle an aquarium because it is extremely hardy and easy to keep. Its whole body is a silver greenish color which shines magnificently under the light. Larger individuals may bully small ones incessantly. Grows up to 3.5 Inches.
Dragonets are enchanting fish; however they are dependent upon live food and are best reserved for experienced aquarists. Their close relatives the scooters are much easier to keep and typically learn to eat frozen food on the substrate. Aggressive tank mates should be avoided. Care should be exercised when transferring this fish in a net as its large cheek spines may become tangled. They spend their days sneaking through the rockwork and over the substrate, and may bury in the sand at night or when frightened. They are prone to accidentally swimming into anemones and being eaten. Males have larger first dorsal fins than females. Dragonets are hunters of tiny shrimp-like copepods, and they must eat huge numbers of them in order to retain their healthy rotund appearance. Although dragonets are small fish we recommend a well established aquarium of no less than 50 gallons, and preferably larger. Scooters may be kept in as small as 20 gallons if they are feeding well on prepared foods. A refugium is helpful in supplementing the main aquarium with live prey items. Macroalgae may also be kept directly in the aquarium, and feeding of Phytoplankton may encourage copepods to reproduce faster. Tigger pods are a popular first food which this fish finds irresistible.Fish who directly compete with the dragonet for food should be avoided, primarily sleeper gobies. It should be offered frozen food items such as Calanus, Mysis and enriched brine shrimp on the sand several times a day.One of the ocean's most charming fish, the Mandarin Dragonet may also be one of the most beautiful. Its deep orange body is decorated with swirling patterns of emerald green. Its cheeks are pale cream which dissipates into tiny freckles on its throat. Its large pectoral fins may be green to blue and are in a constant undulating motion; it uses its pelvic fins to rest on the substrate. It may be kept alone or in pairs if the fish are added together or female first. Two males should never be kept together. The Mandarin Dragonet grows to 3 inches.
Wrasses are prone to jumping from the aquarium when startled or excited so we recommend a secure lid. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Most species may be kept in pairs or harems as long as they are added together or females first. They do not appreciate living with other species of wrasse, so any aquarium with several species must be large enough and the most peaceful species added first.They should be fed two to three times a day plenty of high quality meaty items, frozen Mysis shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, marine algae and Spirulina.These wrasses have active personalities and appreciate plenty of rockwork as well as open space to swim. They may eat small invertebrates, especially shrimp, but do not bother corals or anemones. Due to their relatively shy demeanor they should not be kept with aggressive tank mates. They have very small mouths and may be difficult to feed, so frequent feedings of a wide variety of foods should be offered thorough the day. We only recommend this species for experienced aquarists. They are coral safe, but larger individuals may attack small invertebrates such as shrimp, snails, urchins, worms, bivalves and serpent stars.br />At night time or when threatened these wrasses will dive into the sand for protection. They can even swim under the sand to avoid predators. It is not uncommon to find the wrasse laying on top of the sand to rest during the day. A fine sand bed of at least 2-3 inches will help them feel secure. Rocks should be placed on the aquarium glass and sand poured around them to eliminate the danger of a cave-in when the wrasse dives in.The beautiful Green Pencil wrasse is bright pink with a gold eye when young, but mature males changes to a stunning emerald green when mature. A sapphire blue stripe runs from its nose to its tail; from its gill cover to its tail is also an electric yellow stripe. Along its back is an orange stripe, its belly is a lighter aqua color, and a wide black bar edges its caudal fin. It is also known as the Smalltail and Blue Stripe wrasse. It grows to 4 inches and needs an aquarium of at least 70 gallons.
Green Tiger Barb
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Barbs add a fun, loud personality to add to your peaceful homeaquarium. They are quite active in the aquarium, and because they tend to want to school in groups of at least 5, more timid fish or long finned fish should be avoided as tank mates.Barbs are omnivores, meaning they should be supplied with a varied dietof high- quality flake food and meaty frozen shrimp.
Green Tiger Barb Specifics
Green Tiger Barbs grow to a size of 3", so a 30g aquarium for a school of at least 5 fish would be preferable. Their water temperature should be between 74-79oF. pH between 6.0-7.0, and a dKH between 4-10
Wrasses are prone to jumping from the aquarium when startled or excited so we recommend a secure lid. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Most species may be kept in pairs or harems as long as they are added together or females first. They do not appreciate living with other species of wrasse, so any aquarium with several species must be large enough and the most peaceful species added first.They should be fed two to three times a day plenty of high quality meaty items, frozen Mysis shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, marine algae and Spirulina.Coris wrasses are easy to keep and have active personalities. They have big appetites for invertebrates, especially shrimp; however larger species may attack other crustaceans, snails, worms and starfish among others. They are often employed to eat pests of corals and clams including flatworms, fireworms, Montipora eating nudibranches, and pyramid snails; they may occasionally clean their fish tank mates. They do not bother corals or anemones, but may flip over rocks in their search for food. Large species may also bully or eat small fish, but they are typically nonaggressive with other large fish as long as they have a different shape. Similarly shaped fish are seen as a threat and may be targeted; we do not recommend keeping them with small species such as flasher wrasses.At night time or when threatened Coris wrasses will dive into the sand for protection. They can even swim under the sand to avoid predators. It is not uncommon to find the wrasse laying on top of the sand to rest during the day. A fine sand bed of at least 2-3 inches will help them feel secure. Rocks should be placed on the aquarium glass and sand poured around them to eliminate the danger of a cave-in when the wrasse dives in. The Green, or Lime wrasse, is a uniquely colored fish that is popular in reef aquaria for its ability to control many coral pests. As a juvenile it is as bright as fresh citrus, and when mature is a silvery mint color. Subtle turquoise and magenta squiggles decorates the adult's face. Males and females are identical; females may have lighter colored bellies. It grows to 8 inches and needs an aquarium of at least 90 gallons.
The Grey angel is a subtle beauty from the Caribbean. As a juvenile it is stark black with bright yellow stripes running from top to bottom. As an adult, the stripes it has as a juvenile fade away and it becomes a dusty grey with many of its scales dotted with deep charcoal. The tips of the dorsal and anal fins extend into long trailing points. It is similar in appearance to the French angelfish, however there are some differences. As a juvenile the very end of the grey angel's tail fin is transparent, whereas on the French angel it is yellow. As an adult, the Grey angel's scales are dotted with black and lack the yellow highlights of the French. Not all fish transition when at the same size, but it usually begins when they are approximately 3-4 inches. Males and females are visually identical. The Grey angel can grow to be approximately 15 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 220 gallons. It does not appreciate living with other large angelfish and may become aggressive to them, however it is typically non-aggressive with other types of fish. Angelfish may nip on many types of corals, especially LPS corals, clam mantles, sponges, and sometimes soft corals. They do not typically bother SPS corals or other types of invertebrates. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, Sponge matter, frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, and other high quality meaty items. It should be fed 2-3 times a day.
A fantastic fish for the collector of the rare and wonderful, the Gumdrop Coral Croucher, or velvetfish, makes a lovely addition to the peaceful aquarium. It resembles a colorful clown goby, however it is actually more closely related to scorpionfish. Its stocky body is delicate rosy pink all over with bright bubblegum colored polka dots sprinkled everywhere. Males and females are identical. The Gumdrop Coral Croucher grows to 2.5 inches and should be kept in an aquarium at least 10 gallons.Gumdrop Coral Croucher are entertaining little fish who spend most of their day perched on rocks and coral. In the wild they make their home in the branches of SPS corals, usually Pocillopora and Stylophora, however it is not necessary to duplicate this in the aquarium. If a pair is kept with these branching corals they may use the coral as their nest, clearing away a small area of its polyps so they may lay their adhesive eggs on the coral. This does not harm large established colonies, but may be too stressful for small or weak corals. In the aquarium a Gumdrop Coral Croucher may host with any number of corals that it would not associate with in the wild, making a very interesting display. They do not hurt the coral but rather enjoy spending time within its branches.The Gumdrop Coral Croucher should never be touched as it contains a toxin that can cause painful wounds similar to a bee sting. Great care should be taken when handling the Gumdrop Coral Croucher, and children should never be allowed to put their fingers in the water with the fish. Predatory fish may or may not recognize the Gumdrop Coral Croucher as venomous, so caution should be used when combining the Gumdrop Coral Croucher with larger fish. It is peaceful towards all other fish but may fight with its own kind unless a pair is maintained. Gumdrop Coral Croucher are primarily carnivores and their diet should include plenty of high quality meaty items, marine algae, Spirulina, and frozen Mysis shrimp. It is preferable to feed at least twice a day. Live food may be necessary at first, and the use of a feeding tube may be useful in making sure the Gumdrop Coral Croucher gets enough to eat.
The Half Black angel is overall a deep creamy color with bright orange highlights around the eyes and gill covers. Its front fins are dusty yellow and its rear half deep, velvety black. Males and females are visually identical.The Half Black angel can grow to be up to 4 inches long and needs an aquarium of at least 70 gallons. It does not appreciate living with other angelfish and may become aggressive to them, however it is typically non-aggressive with other types of fish. If several dwarf angelfish are to be kept together the aquarium must be large enough and they must all be added at the same time.Angelfish may nip on many types of corals, especially LPS corals, clam mantles, sponges, and sometimes soft corals. They do not typically bother other types of invertebrates. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, Sponge matter, frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, and other high quality meaty items. It should be fed 2-3 times a day.
Shrimp are active, entertaining and easy to keep. They shed their shells as they grow, and afterwards need to hide in the rock until their new shell hardens. Shrimp are highly excitable when food is present, and will do anything to get it. Some species may pester corals by attempting to reach food the coral has eaten. In this situation the shrimp should be provided food first. Large individuals may catch and consume smaller species.The Harlequin shrimp is a strikingly beautiful animal related to the Bongo shrimp. It is a specialized predator and only eats starfish, including Asterina stars, but also larger species such as linkia, chocolate chip and sand sifting species. Females are larger and have spots under their tails which males do not. Its claws are designed for flipping over starfish, and when a large starfish is chosen the shrimp will attempt to keep it alive as long as possible while it is eaten. The Harlequin shrimp grows to 2 inches and is known to live up to 6 years.
