I have a number of this “mini starfish” (pictures attached) popping up in my overflow tank (haven’t seen any in the main tank, yet). Can they do any harm? I have a relatively basic population in a reef tank.
I also have a number of what look like baby snails growing in the overflow tank. They started out looking like very small slugs, but recently look like they’re growing shells. Also ok?
Thanks in advance!
Greg Rogers
Just baby brittle stars, won’t hurt anything.
yea mini brittle stars, the can hurt things in the sense that they hide in every nook and cranny and stick their arms out to fish for food. problem is they will hide around corals and irritate them, i have GSP that wont open because they run their arms over the surface of the GSP.
but they wont hurt them on purpose.
if you bring some to the meeting, i’ll be glad to take 6 or so off your hands.
probably came from rock you got from someones tank. good clean up crew addition
[quote=“moliken, post:4, topic:2560”]
if you bring some to the meeting, i’ll be glad to take 6 or so off your hands.[/quote]
You want some Paul? I will bring you a bunch on Saturday! I have tons of them. I think they are awesome for helping clean up any leftovers in the tank.
tnx e. i would be glad to have some. happy new years!
they are great scavengers! i must have like 500 of them
Thanks everyone for the replies and Happy New Year!
Would try not to call them baby star fish. First it’s confusing if you call them babys as they are neither babies or larvae as they are just a species that is smaller then what most people are used to. Can’t tell you how many people ask why they never seem to grow up or why they can’t find the adult parents the little ones came from. Secondly it is a good idea to refer to them as Sea stars rather then star fish. They are from the sea and are star shapped, but are certainly not fish.
I have several small star fish, but that particular species I don’t believe I have any of. I think the species I have out compete them.
i called them mini brittle stars :BEER
They are micro Ophiactis, small relatives of the larger Ophiarachna incrassata (green serpent star) whom can catch and eat your fish. Lucky for us these little guys can’t!
ellen i would like a few of them for my nano. i dont need alot 4 or so if no problem.
[quote=“martinfaimly, post:12, topic:2560”]
ellen i would like a few of them for my nano. i dont need alot 4 or so if no problem.[/quote]
I’ll give you as many as you can carry if she cant catch them, i have some hanging out between the pvc and glass in my corner overflow. They reproduce faster than algae! lol 4 will be 400 in no time.
bring some for me too. cannot have too much biodiversity, seems to me
