Brittle star

[scarecrow]

I purchased a few live rocks from a tropical fish store about three weeks ago and since then I have found what appear to be brittle stars (4) of them my tank is a 30 gal tank and I have 3 damsels 2 clowns and an coral angel will mytank be large enough for this stars at full growth

 

[bang guy]

Yes, you're fine.

 

[scarecrow]

Ok thanks.

 

[bang guy]

I should add that it's likely that these Brittle Stars are already almost full size.

 

[scarecrow]

No they a real small one is bigger but other three are real small , I read that they can grow up to 2 feet?

 

[bang guy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by scarecrow http:///t/393706/brittle-star#post_3503182
No they a real small one is bigger but other three are real small , I read that they can grow up to 2 feet?
Without a picture I'm just guessing of course but I'm guessing that the ones you have are nearly full grown.

 

[gobygal]

I have brittlestar hitchhikers too and I read that there are such things as "mini brittles".......
I don't know if that is true or not......but some people say they have some that never got bigger than a quarter and other people were surprised to find them grow very large.
I am curious as well to know if there is a way of telling the two apart or not.......my guess is that we will have to wait and see!!
I NEVER see mine. I have two......

 

[saban2013]

Like Bang says, they are most likely full grown. It is very common to find this smaller version in almost every piece of live rock you purchase. Most you will not see, since they are very small and do not show themselves. Definitely a great hitchiker to have. They keep excess foods a debree away from your corals and crevices. I can't remember the exact name, but this species does not reach over 3 inches in diameter.

 

[jay0705]

I have a similar critter. Small white star fish bout the size of a dime. Moves around alot tho.