How safe are brittle stars?

[alison]

Hi, I just bought a plain green brittle star for my fish only to eat the extra deitris. I have a larger maroon clown, and a volitan lion in there. Will this brittle star be capable of taking down either of them? I know absolutely nothing about them, I've been told they eat small fish, but I don't know for sure. Thanks for any info in advance, alison

 

[spartan]

I had pne about two years ago. It grew pretty quickly to about 18 inches across. I noticed that some of my gobies ended up missing, but it really got my attention when I woke up one morning to see that it had captured and killed my coral beauty angel. So.. yeah they are hunters. I really liked him... but he had to go... LFS gladly took him.

 

[bang guy]

Might catch the Clownfish. Not until it's really big though.

 

[viper_930]

I have heard stories about green brittles catching and eating fish and inverts. I haven't heard anything bad about other color brittles though.

 

[alison]

:happyfish Thanks for all the info and fast responses guys! I just know very little about 'em. I think he'll be ok 'til it gets big, and then I'll trade him in. Right now his base is only about the size of my thumb nail, so I think it's ok for now.
My volitan lion won't eat him will he? I don't think so, but thought I'd ask. Thanks again.

-ali

 

[darthmatt]

I suggest you post the question before you buy it next time.
matt

 

[alison]

Well, I knew basically, and knew I didn't have a problem now, just in the future possibly. And I was affirmed by my suspisions. Thank you bang, spartan and viper for your insightful information.

 

[marineman]

my GBStar attacked a royal gramma and that earned him a position in my sump! they are proficient fish hunters, esp at night when fish are resting near bottom of the tank!:scared:

 

[bot587]

My experiences with brittle stars are they are friendly (with the exception of the green brittle star)

 

[sw65galma]

Originally posted by alison
Hi, I just bought a plain green brittle star for my fish only to eat the extra deitris. I have a larger maroon clown, and a volitan lion in there. Will this brittle star be capable of taking down either of them? I know absolutely nothing about them, I've been told they eat small fish, but I don't know for sure. Thanks for any info in advance, alison

I have to GB's in my Damsel tank, they ain't catching those suckers...
But I'd be weary of the clown getting caught..
Don't worry about the lion, although he may try to pick at it. Depends on how fast the star moves...

 

[nflnutswif]

I'll chime in too. I wouldn't worry if you keep him fed! I feed ours by hand, couple of times a week. he loves krill and formula 1 & 2. he's happy!
:happyfish

 

[alison]

:happyfish Thanks for all the replies everyone. I think everyone will be ok, the clown is almost as big as my black volitan lion. She is monstorously huge. I had to take that big momma clown outa my reef, she killed some other fish, and a coral. She is WAAAAAY aggressive. I'll just watch the brittle star close for any signs. Thanks again, ali