Brittle starfish

[JY13131]

I have in a new rock what I believe are a few ginormous brittle starfish. They look and act similar to the baby brittles but are much bigger. So far I have only seen legs filter feeding, but how will I know when it becomes a problem? (like BEFORE it eats one of my fish)!

[jenajet]

What color are they?

[JY13131]

They have dark and white striped legs

[jenajet]

do a search on harlequin stars. They are sand sifters

[zero186]

i have an all black brittle star and i have never had a problem with my fish or coral but there ar alot of spieces so i dont even know

[JY13131]

I am assuming because they live in the rock and just stick their legs out that they are filter feeders like other brittle stars. But will keep an eye out

[Loverotties]

Greenies are meannies!

[JY13131]

he isn't green

Are those the major ones?

[ReefNeck]

Yes, The Green Brittle Starfish are the fish eaters. They can/will trap fish and eat them. The black/brown brittles are reef safe.

[Benny_B_B]

here is a picture of my brittle star. HPIM0157.jpg
Is it similar?

[JY13131]

That would be it! Is it bad?

[Benny_B_B]

No, He's just a filter feeder completely harmless. I have had him for awhile and have had no problems.

[JY13131]

that is what I thought
thank you

[Benny_B_B]

No problem

[fishmancen]

I have 2 large green brittle starfish. I have had them for about a month. They peacefully co-exist with my 12 inch long snowflake eel, often sharing the same covey hole in the coral of my tank. They also have caused no problem with my 3 inch yellow tang. They are very aggressive, often stealing a feeder frozen shrimp right out of the mouth of my eel, before he has a chance to swallow it.

Here is my problem, both green brittle starfish have developed a small brown spot in the very center of their tops. I have heard that they are sensitive to transport and new environments. My water conditions are good, with regular two week partial water changes, UV filters and protein skimmers in place.

I have not been able to find any info on what this condition is or how to treat it. I am just trying to maintain a good environment with as little of stressful conditions as possible, as well as maintaning good water conditions... and hoping that the brown spot condition will slowly begin to subside.

Any help or comments as to what this is, or how to treat it or, your own personal experiences with this condition would be very welcome.