Brittle stars?

84chris

84chris

Member
I was thinking about adding one of these to my main tank. I have numerous fish, snails, and hermits. Also a sandsifting starfish. The tank is a 125 would a brittle be a good addition. Thanks for the help!
 
mudplayerx

mudplayerx

Active Member
Brittlestars can turn predatory. I've had one in my tank for 3 years now with no problems. Just keep it fed and it will reduce the potential for it to dine on something in the tank.
 
schmidthouse

schmidthouse

Member
We had one for a long time named Sigmond The Sea Monster. We kept him fed but he still terrorized the tank!! I personally would not own another one. But I have talked to people that have really good luck with them. I think that it's all about their personallity...
 
emm0909

emm0909

Member
I love mine. He doesn't do too much but his legs are always sticking out from under my zoas waving around.
 
ophiura

ophiura

Active Member
There are thousands of species of brittlestars; I would prefer people not make the kinda blanket statement that they can be problems as the overwhelming majority are not likely at all to be problems (even of the couple of dozen available in the hobby, IMO). The one's that get no bigger than a nickel will not be a terror.

The GREEN is a KNOWN PREDATOR IN THE WILD.
Few others are known to be. Now and then, another causes problems, yes, but I would bet in most cases they are caught with the evidence, and nothing more. They will be cleaners of dead things, no doubt at all.
The "harlequin" serpentstar - such as Ophioderma appressum on this site, would be a nice choice.
Apart from the green, they are, IMO, no greater risk than most crabs (emerald, sally lightfoot) and hermits and bristleworms....which means yes, they are a certain risk but not a great one, IMO.
 
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