Hitchhiker starfish ID needed

boilermaker1 · 06/10/2006, 04:17 PM

My camera macro doesn't work so well, so let me describe it....
about 1-1.25" across, 6 legs, round center, black and grey stripes, appears to have hair-like things running down each leg, moves like a serpent or brittle star (wavy curling legs).
What is it? But more importantly, is it a keeper or not. I found it in my LR cycling bucket, I pulled it out and put it in a cup until I can get an ID on it... if its good, I'll put it back in.

Amphiprion · 06/10/2006, 04:26 PM

Definitely looks like an Ophiuroid. Most likely just fine to leave in the tank.

GroYurOwn · 06/10/2006, 04:26 PM

micro brittle star, keeper, good detritus eater.

TorryRx · 06/10/2006, 04:27 PM

From what I can tell, it's a serpent star...they are great detritus scavengers. I've actually grabbed a handful of chaeto from a friend to establish them in my tank and fuge.

Yup, he's a keeper!

HTH...
Torry

reefshadow · 06/10/2006, 04:28 PM

I'm not sure of the formal latin name, but most refer to these as "mini brittles". They are beneficial and desireable. I have a ton of them in my tank. Chances are you have more than the one you've found.

Nice!

boilermaker1 · 06/10/2006, 04:54 PM

back in it goes... thanks guys

szwab · 06/10/2006, 06:30 PM

mini brittle star good scavenger. check your sump there are probably many more

good find

06/10/2006, 04:17 PM	#1
boilermaker1 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chantilly, VA Posts: 784	Hitchhiker starfish ID needed My camera macro doesn't work so well, so let me describe it.... about 1-1.25" across, 6 legs, round center, black and grey stripes, appears to have hair-like things running down each leg, moves like a serpent or brittle star (wavy curling legs). What is it? But more importantly, is it a keeper or not. I found it in my LR cycling bucket, I pulled it out and put it in a cup until I can get an ID on it... if its good, I'll put it back in.

06/10/2006, 04:26 PM	#2
Amphiprion Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 6,611	Definitely looks like an Ophiuroid. Most likely just fine to leave in the tank. __________________ You've done it now, haven't you? Current Tank Info: 40g breeder patch reef w/ seagrass; 2-250w XM 10K; Vortech MP40wES & MP10wES; BM Curve 7 skimmer; carbon & occasional GFO

06/10/2006, 04:27 PM	#4
TorryRx Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 347	From what I can tell, it's a serpent star...they are great detritus scavengers. I've actually grabbed a handful of chaeto from a friend to establish them in my tank and fuge. Yup, he's a keeper! HTH... Torry __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>

06/10/2006, 04:28 PM	#5
reefshadow Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Central Washington Posts: 1,786	I'm not sure of the formal latin name, but most refer to these as "mini brittles". They are beneficial and desireable. I have a ton of them in my tank. Chances are you have more than the one you've found. Nice! __________________ All Your Coral Are Belong To Us Current Tank Info: 30 Deep Blue shallow mixed rimless, MP10, Ecoxotic LED's, SCA 301 skimmer.

06/10/2006, 06:30 PM	#7
szwab RC Mod Join Date: May 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 15,225	mini brittle star good scavenger. check your sump there are probably many more good find __________________ Mark "I got a fever, and the only prescription, is more cowbell" ~ Christopher Walken Current Tank Info: AGE 240 Flatback Hex

06/10/2006, 04:26 PM	#3
GroYurOwn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 527	micro brittle star, keeper, good detritus eater.

06/10/2006, 04:54 PM	#6
boilermaker1 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chantilly, VA Posts: 784	back in it goes... thanks guys