ID Please

[EQCM2B]

I found this today while performing an FWE treatment. Anyone know if it is safe or not?

[lReef lKeeper]

looks like a serpent star to me ... they are good, put him back !!

[Reptoreef]

Ageed

[ramoth41]

yup he's cool! I have one that is HUGE neat to watch when they feed!
Good freebies are the best! lol

[PurpleAardvark]

I disagree take him out. Smooth legs you are fine, hairy legs your in trouble. If it is small it will be ok for a little while but as it gets bigger it willl start to crave more meaty foods.

[EQCM2B]

Thanks for all of the replys. I have slipped him back into the tank. hopefully all will be well.

[mutts]

poor little guy looked a bit beat up! oh well they are very hardy and great members for any clean up crew

[unleashed]

Thanks for all of the replys. I have slipped him back into the tank. hopefully all will be well.

he will be just fine but as don stated above he will eventually start craving larger foods including your fish.sad to say it but been there done that i lost about 200 dollars worth of fish to a 10 dollar brittle star this little guy

[ramoth41]

here is the one I have .. come to think he is a serpant star.. no fuzzy legs.. BUT I have had brittles .. This one is prolly bigger than a dinner plate around and his body is a little bigger than a 1/2 dollar!

[Reef_Angel]

I'm a little confused. Are you saying that the little beat up brittle star is now the nice healthy one in you latest photo? Is he also the one that has made you lose over $200 in fish now that he's healthy? They do have an interesting way of capturing their prey. It's done generally at night, and they come out and stand up on their legs forming a canopy type position. If a fish swims through his tunnel, he captures it and can eat it. The picture is good, but can you tell me how big he is approximately with legs outstretched? I've never had a problem with any of mine, and they've been pretty good sized. I just made sure that I fed him brine shrimp daily so he was satisfied. At least I think that is what kept my fish from being prey. If he continues to be a problem, then it's time to put him in your refuge and let him live there. I may be jumping the gun on the refuge comment. Do you have one? If not, maybe it's time to trade him into your LFS for a smaller one. Heed Purple Aardvarks advice, and stick to a brittle star that has smooth legs and no hair on it's legs or body. They are really a neat critter to have in your tank. I've always liked the one's I had. They amazed me how well they regenerated their legs if they got bitten off or mangled in some way. I just never had any problems with mine being a predator. In fact, it was my bigger fish and hermit crabs that picked on mine. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide! ...Angel