Is Serpent Star killing my fish

[Morg591]

I have lost 3 of my fish over a 4 week period. First it was my Anthias ... looked fine in the evening and the next morning it was under an overhang with my serpent star and various hermits feeding on its remains. Same thing happened with my Coral Beauty the week later. Two weeks have gone by and now my Lawnmower Blenny today.. found under the same rock with my serpent star eating it. Could the Serpent Star be killing my fish when it gets hungry or is it just taking advantage of an already dead fish and cleaning up?

NOTE: All of these fish looked healthy and behaved normally the night before when the lights went out.

 

[reefworm]

It could be that the star is just being an opportunist, but some are indeed predatory of fish. Dr. Ron mentions this, and I've seen a number of posts - mostly referring to green serpent stars - in which mention is made of the star actually trapping the fish by raising up on its legs to form a "shelter" for the fish, then dropping down on them.

I had a red serpent star for a number of years that made no move against any organisms in the tank, but he was well-fed otherwise. I've not heard of the red ones causing trouble, but my evidence for that is only anecdotal.

regards,
-rw

 

[Jawbone]

I have not had any need to be concerned with serpent stars killing other fish, but just like reefworm said, mine is well fed.

 

[Morg591]

How are you keeping them well fed? When I feed my tank the star comes out and actively tries to get its share of food but I dont ever see it get much food. Do you directly feed your stars every day? If so .. what are you feeding them and how much?

 

[Jawbone]

I chop up shrimp, Scallops and Clams from the grocery store and feed directly to my tank.

 

[adamsaquatics]

Afreind had one and he saw it killing a fish.