Brittle star - how big is too big?

larryl · 05/18/2006, 11:39 AM

I've got this brittle star, one of the green and yellow spiny ones, that is about 8-9 inches across the arms. Should I be worried about him catching my fish? I've had a couple mysterious green chromis disappearances in the past, but never any conclusive evidence the brittle start had anything to do with it...

Just curious,
Larry

MyMonkey · 05/18/2006, 12:35 PM

I am curious as well. I saw one of the ones you mention in the LFS just recently. I read up on them. The only one I read that was trouble for fish was the Green Brittle Star.

technoshaman · 05/18/2006, 12:41 PM

Chromis are notorious for doing each other in over time, start with 5 end up with 1 - sand dwelling / sleeping fishes are more likely to be consumed by a hungry brittle star. Wouldn't necessarily blame the brittle for the chromis.

Do you ever see him raise his body up and make a 'tent' with his arms? This is a prelude to catching larger prey usually. In my experience no brittle star is totally safe with small fish and crustaceans .

05/18/2006, 11:39 AM	#1
larryl Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 702	Brittle star - how big is too big? I've got this brittle star, one of the green and yellow spiny ones, that is about 8-9 inches across the arms. Should I be worried about him catching my fish? I've had a couple mysterious green chromis disappearances in the past, but never any conclusive evidence the brittle start had anything to do with it... Just curious, Larry

05/18/2006, 12:35 PM	#2
MyMonkey Persona Non Grata Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 2,106	I am curious as well. I saw one of the ones you mention in the LFS just recently. I read up on them. The only one I read that was trouble for fish was the Green Brittle Star. __________________ The worst thing about an unwritten law is that you don't know where to go to erase it. Current Tank Info: 20 Long.10 months to my 240 In wall with Fish Room.

05/18/2006, 12:41 PM	#3
technoshaman Reefer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Austin TX Posts: 1,275	Chromis are notorious for doing each other in over time, start with 5 end up with 1 - sand dwelling / sleeping fishes are more likely to be consumed by a hungry brittle star. Wouldn't necessarily blame the brittle for the chromis. Do you ever see him raise his body up and make a 'tent' with his arms? This is a prelude to catching larger prey usually. In my experience no brittle star is totally safe with small fish and crustaceans .