Brittle Star - Problem?

[roypersson]

Hello,

I found a little hitchhiker of a 6 legged starfish. I did some research found out its actually not a starfish but actually something called a brittle star.

Anything I should be worried about here? Nothing I read indicated it was going to cause trouble in my tank. However, nothing indicated it was a happy thing either.

Any knowledge on this tiny little 1/8th inch critter?

Later,

Roy

 

[nycdominicanreef]

these guys are good for any aquarium, and chances are theres alot more of them in your tank

 

[Levito]

+1 a good hitchhiker. You generally won't see much of them except their legs sticking out of holes when you're feeding.

 

[Belwell]

no problems here. If that is infact what it is, which most likely it is. Pic to confirm?

 

[Donewiththisplace]

Its probably more likely a Asternia star....but would need a pic to confirm. I usually see them with one or more of the "legs" missing.

There are mixed responses as to whether these are good or bad for a reef... some say they eat Zoas and others say they are harmless.

I've been noticing them for about 6 months now and pull them out whenever I can...but I havent noticed any negative effects since they came along.

 

[fcamargo6thave]

asterina and brittle stars are different asterina are small and usually white or gray and the brittle will have long legs my daughter says they look like spiders. well i had problems with asterina star they were eating my purple algea but never had problems with brittle stars.

 

[KathyC]

Does it look like these? (the top row only)
http://www.google.com/search?q=micr...ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CAwQ_AUoAQ&biw=1262&bih=677

Or this?
http://www.google.com/search?q=aste...ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CAsQ_AUoAQ&biw=1262&bih=677