brittle or serpent star

[lumpy]

I added a new rock with some corals to my tank and while watching the tank today noticed that either a brittle or a serpent star had hitchhiked a ride. The star is about the size of a nickel if all of the legs were pulled straight out. I tried to catch the little bugger but it was on the back of the aquarium and I didnt have much luck getting ahold of it.

If I remember correctly brittle stars are not safe for reef aquariums (although I think I heard that serpent stars are safe). Is this accurate? What should I be watching for in terms of damage? Anyone know any tricks to catching the little bugger and getting him out of there?

 

[Bifferwine]

Brittle stars are reef safe, as are serpent stars. The mini brittles (the one that you saw) are really common hitch hikers and are harmless.

 

[yote]

+1 Biff.
The only brittle star you wouldn't want to add is the big green Brittles. And it's not that they aren't reef safe, it's because their not fish safe.

 

[lumpy]

As always, Thank you guys. So are all other brittle/serpent stars fish safe? Except for the green ones that is.

 

[little_fish]

They sure are! And a great member of your CUC