Tiny Brittle Stars

[CastAway]

In my lfs I always see tiny brittle or sea stars; usually just the tips of arms sticking out of tiny holes/pores in live rock. Are these a specific species that remain small, or, are they the offspring of larger stars? I'd like to have some, as they seem pretty effective, but don't know what to look for or order. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[rworegon]

You probably don't need to order any at all. They are micro brittle starts and if you keep a reef for very long you will get them. They usually come as hitch hikers on coral frags, live rock, chaeto, etc. I have hunderds of em. I used to try to "save" them when cleaning my filter sock but there are simply too many of them to worry about.

 

[KKsMomo]

I have thousands and thousands of these in my 120. I see them at night all over my coral. Are you sure they are safe? I don't like to kill stuff but I don't want a bazillion 2 years from now. I have so many I see them during the day.

 

[shred5]

They are harmlees and there are all size brittle stars. Those are probably tiny.. They dont last too long in my reefs.. I have tried to keep them but they disappear after a while. They really like coarse gravel too. They are detritus feeders mainly and will eat any passing food they can catch. If someone has allot of them you probably need to start removing some detritus or are feeding too much..

 

[KKsMomo]

I've always fed too much. My fish are fat like me!

 

[KorD]

I just found four that hitchhiked their way into my sons new tank we set up last night.
The funny thing is, is that is one of the pets he was attainment about getting, now he has 4 for free..

 

[mike007]

I wish someone could post a pic.

 

[CastAway]

Not sure if this will work, but try here.

 

[KorD]

Here is the best I could do with my macro. hope this helps a little.