Lost Brittle star

fish tv

Member
I haven't seen my brittle star in the last 4 days even though I only purchased him a week ago. I checked everywhere outside of the tank and he didn't get out. I tore apart part of my live rock and didn't find him. I have a tang, damsels, clown, coral beauty and pajama cardinal. I don't think they would eat him and I haven't found any remains. Would you take apart the live rock ( I just got it the way I like it) or just assume he is no longer? I have had terrible luck with inverts.
 

murph

Active Member
Brittle stars are nocturnal and excellent hiders. He is probably still in there under some of your LR. When I bought mine the LFS related a story about one of his tanks that went four years without seeing the BS. Need arised to break down and move the tank and when the LR was removed the brittle star was there and much larger.
Also check your power heads. Mines first hidewout was to wrap itself up around the frame work of the power head where the suction cups attach to the pump.
They are also just like anything else you put in the tank as far as live stock. It will take some time before the animal begins to feel at home and begin eating and moving about the tank normally.
 

fish tv

Member
Thank you.
I want to get more inverts, but I don't want to keep losing them. I will keep watching.
 

keonia

Member
when they smell food, you'll see them waving their arms out.
my black brittle hides alot. My green brittle runs when she smells food!
Try feeding tank and see if you can see the arms waving out to catch food!
Good Luck!
 

sweetdawn

Active Member
yea i wouldnt worry about it it will come out. I have a couple in one of my tanks that i only catch a glimpse of every couple of weeks
 

ophiura

Active Member
What are your specific water parameters? How long did you acclimate? In this time frame, I am less concerned that it was killed and eaten...I am concerned that it died of acclimation shock. I am concerned with the line "I have terrible luck with inverts."
Lets try and solve that
Water parameters and acclimation procedure is the place to start
 
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