Acro star/normal?

[flricordia]

THis brittle star moved onto this acro about a week ago and does not want to get off no matter what. I tryed coaxing it off, but it just moves right back on. It doesn't seem to be affecting the acro in any way so I guess it is OK. Has anyone seen this before? I do have an acro crab living in a pink birdsnest and I know that is normal, but I haven't heard about a brittle star living on one.

 

[dude23455]

I've never seen one with a red center. I'd probably get it off just to be safe.

 

[ophiura]

Harmless, perhaps even beneficial...most are filter feeders. genus is Ophiothrix. leave it!!

 

[flricordia]

Yea, I have tried getting it off several times but shy of killing it it just returns. I'll take your advice ophiura and leave it. I do notice it waving its arms when I feed and the polyps of the acro are open, even where the brittle star is resting, so I also think it is probably OK. Thanks

 

[ophiura]

It is absolutely OK IMO.
They almost always associate with corals, and are beautiful animals. Nearly all filter feeders, however they probably may steal a touch of food from polyps....but also will assist by cleaning off debris that may get caught in the coral mucus.