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FAQs about Green Brittlestars, Ophiarachna incrassata Compatibility
Related Articles: Brittlestars,
Sea Stars, An
Introduction to the Echinoderms: The Sea Stars, Sea Urchins,
Sea Cucumbers and More... By James W.
Fatherree, M.Sc.
Related FAQs: Green Brittlestars 1,
Green Brittlestars 2, & FAQs on:
Green Brittlestars Identification,
Green Brittlestars Behavior, Green
Brittlestars Selection, Green
Brittlestars Systems, Green
Brittlestars Feeding, Green
Brittlestars Disease, Green
Brittlestars Reproduction, &
Brittlestars 1, Brittlestars 2,
Brittlestars 3, & Brittlestar ID,
Brittlestar Behavior,
Brittlestar Compatibility,
Brittlestar Selection,
Brittlestar Systems,
Brittlestar Feeding,
Brittlestar Disease,
Brittlestar Reproduction, & Seastar
Selection, Seastar Compatibility,
Seastar Systems, Seastar Feeding,
Seastar Reproduction, Seastar Disease, | 
The shadow knows...
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Green Brittle star and Coris gaimard
Hi Bob, I have attached
a photo of one of my two what I believe are Green brittle stars.
<I think you're right>
I have a Coris gaimard in my quarantine
tank and he is ready to go into my 90 gallon with my Koran Angel
(he's doing great) and one of my green brittle's that I moved out of
my 125g Reef. Here's the question, since the Coris sleeps buried at
night will the green brittle attack him?
<It's a possibility...
especially if the Coris is small (just a few inches)>
I have
heard that green brittle's are bad news, and maybe I should remove
both of them and donate to my LFS for maybe smaller brittles (non
green). What do you think? Thanks Larry
<Mmm, up to you re
assessing the risk, taking it. Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/brittlestarfaqs.htm
Bob Fenner> |
Re: Green Brittle star and Coris Gaimard
Thanks for the
quick response. My Coris is 4 inches and has switched colour to
adult. However I am not willingly to take the risk of a cheap
brittle star over the Coris.
<Me neither>
The green
brittle stars are aggressive, if I feed my corals, say my
frogspawn with bits of silversides, they come out of hiding and
take the pieces out of my corals. They are easy to catch this
way just put a large chunk of silversides in the front of the
tank and out they come.
Thanks again Larry
<Yikes. I say
the heave-ho as well. Bob Fenner> | 
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Fish & Serpent Star Compatibility... Not! 9/12/07
I
have a brown serpent star in a 125 gal FOWLR.
<Because of your
concern, I am assuming you mean a Green Brittle stars, (Ophiarachna
incrassata). Does yours look like the guy on the top of this page?
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brittlestaridfaqs.htm
More here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brittlestarcompfaqs.htm >
I would like to
get a radiant wrasse (Halichoeres iridis) , but I'm concerned that the
serpent star may go after a sand dwelling fish.
<Highly likely if
given the opportunity.>
I have never seen it stalking fish before,
but I did witness it attacking a cleaner shrimp!
<They can be quite
predatory.>
The tuxedo urchins and star also leave each other alone.
If it would be too risky to house a wrasse with this star, would the
radiant wrasse be a good tank mate for seahorses?
<No. They have
different system requirements. Seahorses require specialized low flow
systems. More here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seahorsecare.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tube-mfi.htm
These two do not belong in
the same system.>
Thank you for your insight.
<Welcome! Mich>
Brittle stars
hello , i have a green brittle star, in my
tank, and i am wanting to buy a small snowflake eel, do you think
they will get along ok
<Yes, these two should. This species of
Moray doesn't eat starfishes, and the Green Brittle Star should
leave the Eel alone. Some info. on the Snowflake can be found on our
site here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/snowflakemoray.htm
and the
Star here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brittlestars.htm
Be
chatting. Bob Fenner>Re: brittle stars
>thanks for the
links, i just had a pet store to tell me i couldn't have an eel with
my brittle star cause the eel would eat it
<Mmm, no... this
species mainly eats crustaceans in the wild. Take a look under the
species name, Echidna nebulosa, in the scientific literature, e.g.
fishbase.org. Bob Fenner> |
Shrimp/Serpent Star Deaths
Help me, Bob!
Three days ago,
I purchased from my trusted LFS three cleaner shrimp (all large, two
carrying eggs) and one beautiful red serpent star. All were carefully
acclimated. Water parameters perfect. Have other thriving serpent stars.
The following morning, I found the newly-added red serpent laying still.
I allowed several hours to pass before reaching in to try to see if I
could coax movement, to no avail. I put him on a rock so I could gauge
his movement. Waited a few more hours to see what happened, and he just
hung there - definitely deceased. I removed the poor soul.
Later that
day, I noticed that my three new cleaner shrimp were missing. It has now
been several days and not a trace. The only fish in the tank that may
have done them some harm would be my flame hawk, but I didn't actually
see him do anything.
Is this a case of I did something wrong, or bad
stock from the LFS? I should add that I also bought a small arrow crab
at the same time, but he is doing just fine. What do you think the
culprit is?
Thanks for your advice, as always. Marilyn
>>
Yikes, though I love a mystery, I do not like to see anomalous animal
losses or hobbyist-friends suffering. Unfortunately, I'd almost bet
anything that the culprits) are your existing (green) serpent stars.
This, in the middle of the night missing livestock, script is their MO
for sure. Yes, the hawk might eat one small shrimp, and the Arrow Crab
can/will grow to bothering/bothersome proportions... and, yes, maybe the
LFS had some bad livestock... but all these losses? No, it's the stars.
Either remove and trade them in, or reconcile yourself to only larger,
aggressive or non-tasty tankmates.
Bob Fenner Brittle star
ambush
Mr. Fenner
I had an orchid Dottyback who was living
inside an empty snail shell. This morning, I found my green brittle star
next to the shell with the Dottyback in his mouth. I had heard that some
brittle stars can be quite adept at catching sleeping fish, but had not
experienced it first hand until now.
Should I worry about the brittle
star catching other fish? What can I do to keep this from happening
again?
Thank you.
>>
Yes. Remove it... Bob Fenner
-Seahorse compatibility-
Lol...I just got done writing you about
my blue/green Chromis in with my erectus seahorses! But, alas, I need
your help once more... <That's what we're here for, fire away!> I went
to a marine store near where I live in Ohio today (was supposed to buy
some small crabs and such for both my 30 gallon tank of seahorses and
for my 5 gallon of dwarf seahorses). Well, when I was in there I picked
up a nudibranch ...Phyllidia arabica I realized tonight from reading on
here. I am wondering now if I should not have bought this little
bugger! <Well, do you know what it eats? Unfortunately, these things are
incredibly hard to identify, and if you didn't collect it yourself, you
have no way of knowing what it ate in the wild (they are usually
specific feeders). Nudi's similar or the same as this one have been know
to release toxins when damaged. All that said, it probably was not a
smart buy.> I talked to the owner of the store and he told me it would
do just fine in my tank with the seahorses. I also went in looking for
a chocolate chip starfish, which I thought would make a wonderful
addition, well....sigh...I let not only the owner, but my friend as
well, talk me out of the chocolate chip and in to purchasing a green
brittle star instead. <Hehe, come armed w/ info!> Again, the owner of
the store said that it would do well in with the seahorses and I had
nothing to worry about. <Green brittle stars are notorious for chowing
on unsuspecting fish at night, I doubt that your seahorse would be
immune from this.> I am now shaking my head and embarrassed to say that
after reading up on both of my new purchases that it seems neither is
right for my tank! <Hehe, unfortunately it happens to everybody. Try to
learn from these mistakes and come into the store knowing what you want
and how to keep it. If something is really cool and you're not sure
about it, put it on hold and research it.> Am I just over reacting? I
LOVE my seahorses and do not want to introduce them into harms way
because of my lack of knowledge on these two specific species. Will my
guys be okay with these two new additions, or should I remove them
pronto? Any help on this quandary I have made for myself at the risk of
my seahorses (wondering if I should start kicking myself now) would be
gratefully appreciated! <If your LFS guy is cool, he may let you return
what you've just bought. If you LOVE :) your seahorses, you'll want to
remove them. Good luck! -Kevin> Thank you again, Jena
Just wanted to share... Shrinking Shrimp, predatory Brittlestar?
This weekend I purchased four small peppermint shrimp hoping they would
clean up some pesky Aiptasia in my tank. I read all that I could find
to try to make sure they would be safe, but alas, they became the most
expensive food I've ever put in my tank! I believe the green brittle
star is the culprit. All of the shrimp were gone within a few
hours. They were fairly small shrimp, but all of my fish are smaller
than 3 inches long, so I'm pretty sure the brittle star got them. My
husband keeps trying to convince me that maybe the shrimp are hiding,
but my tank is only 55 gallons and I would expect to see at least one of
them around feeding time. Anyway,
I just thought that I would share
with other hobbyists that small shrimp are not necessarily safe with a
medium to large size brittle star, regardless of what the LFS tells
you! Keep up the good work WWM crew!
<Thanks for the encouragement!
It is always possible that the shrimp are hiding. I put a very expensive
fire shrimp in my tank on Saturday...haven't seen him since. Shrimp are
experts at hiding. Keep watching around feeding time. Best of luck!
David> Green Brittle Star 11/26/07
Hey Crew,
<Hello Kirk, Mich here.>
Just a quick question. I
recently bought a green brittle star because of their reputation as
janitors. <They are good janitors, so good in fact, that they will
clean up your livestock as well.> I did my research first and was fully
aware of their predatory nature. <Good, they have also been called "The
Green Death".> I have a 135gal FO system with a Humu, a Blue Angel,
Majestic Angel, Yellow Tang, Coral Beauty, and a Blue Damsel. I wasn't
too worried about the safety of any of my fish but I forgot all about my
last fish...a little Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse. <Poor survival rates,
should not be not be kept in captivity.> I really don't know how I did
it but I actually forgot all about him until I but the star in the tank
and saw the wrasse swim past it. So... my question is, what is the
likelihood that he will be eaten by the star? <Can you say: "Tastes
like chicken".> I have had him for about six months now and he is
actually doing very well in the system. I had big hesitations when I
purchased him due to their low mortality rate in captivity. <...but you
purchased him anyway?> But my son really wanted him so I caved. <Would
have been better to use the situation to teach your son about
conservation and responsibility.> Truthfully I didn't expect him to do
this well. <...Yet you purchased him anyway?> He is a really good
eater and follows the trigger around all day and whenever the trigger
scoops up a mouthful of sand, the wrasse seems to pick at little
whatever's that get stirred up with it. He also stays right next to the
trigger at feeding time and eats the tiny pieces the messy trigger spits
out. The angels and tang also really like the services the wrasse
provides and open up their gills several times a day for a good once
over. I don't really know where the cleaner beds down at night but I am
pretty sure its one of the many holes/caves in the rock. So I am a
little worried about his safety. <And you should be.> Do these stars
actually stalk fish <Like paparazzi.> or are they more opportunity
feeders that will take advantage of a sick/weak victim. I will more
than likely take the star back if you guys feel there is a real threat
to the cleaner. <Take him back, put him in he sump, get him out of the
main tank...if you don't want to loose your wrasse.> Sorry it got so
winded...as always, I appreciate the help. <You seem like you know the
info, you just need to stick by what you know and not be pressured at
your LFS.>
Kirk
The Mystery of the Disappearing Fishes...Better Take a Closer Look at
That Ophiuroid - 05/26/06
Hello Everyone,
<<Morning Barb!>>
I am writing out of desperation, in the hopes of finding some peace of
mind.
<<Uh-oh...well, let's hear your problem and see if I can
help>>
I have a 55-gallon saltwater setup with a 30-gallon refugium
<<Excellent>>
that has been up and running for about 3 years
now. The livestock would include:
2 Clown Fish/host Anemone
1
Mandarin
1 Brittle Starfish (spans about 6-8")
1 Cleaner Shrimp
1 Coral Banded Shrimp
1 Peppermint Shrimp
1 Green Chromis
And various corals.
My water parameters are all fine, and I do
regular weekly water changes to stay ahead of the algae problem. Here
is my problem. Not even two weeks ago, I thought I could add some more
fish to liven up the tank. So I purchased a Sixline Wrasse,
<<Nasty
little buggers>>
a Royal Gramma Basslet,
<<And on the other side
of the coin... These are wonderful little aquarium fishes>>
and
five Green Chromis.
<<Mmm..are "okay" as far as damsels go>>
Everyone looked fine for a few days and then I noticed the Wrasse
disappeared.
<<No quarantine, eh>>
By the way my tank has a
cover to prevent a suicide jumping.
<<I understand the
reasoning...but feel the advantage/benefit of improved gas exchange to
be worth the risk of keeping an open-top tank>>
Then about 10 days
after the purchase, a couple of the Chromis disappeared, as well as the
Basslet just yesterday.
<<Very troubling indeed>>
I am now down
to just one Green Chromis of the original purchase. The Wrasse and
Basslet just disappeared without showing any signs of poor health. As
far as the Chromis go, I did notice some strange markings that I later
researched from your site that cannot be explained. The markings were
red blotches like a bruise on the skin and some scales missing.
<<Mmm yes, a physical trauma...and a clue...>>
Also skin coloring
looked like it was turning white. Only one of the original Chromis
showed these markings and eventually the rest did. I definitely plan on
talking to the fish store about replacing them.
<<I don't think the
store is to blame here...at least not directly...>>
However, I can't
explain losing the Wrasse and Basslet.
<<I have an idea/suspicion>>
Did I try to put too many fish in my tank or is there a predator that
I'm not aware of?
<<The latter I believe...will explain below>>
Like I mentioned, they just disappeared overnight, and showing no signs
of distress. I really thought I had room to grow. And I find it very
strange that up until this last purchase, the other tank habitants had
been doing just fine. I'm really disappointed about this and I'm afraid
to put anything else in the tank. Maybe I should mention, that I've had
recent outbreak of glass anemones which I've been trying to control with
a Kalk solution, which I also learned about from your site.
<<Not
the problem here>>
It seems to working well since the Peppermint
Shrimp isn't doing it's job.
<<Ha! Yes, my experience with these as
well>>
Could you guys help me with this problem and tell me what I
did wrong? It kills me to see what I thought were healthy fish (Wrasse
and Basslet) just disappear.
Thanks so much,
Barb
<<Well
Barb, I think you need to look to that growing Brittle Star as the
culprit...especially if it happens to be "green" (genus
Ophiarachna)...have a look here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brittlestars.htm. Even if not
Ophiarachna, the more "fish safe" species will sometimes turn to your
fish for an "after-dark snack" when they get large and/or are not kept
well fed. From the fish species taken/gone missing and the
circumstances and markings/injuries you describe, the Brittle Star rises
as the prime suspect in my mind. I suggest you move that Brittle Star
to your refugium and see if the situation improves for your fishes...I
think it will. Regards, Eric Russell>>
Green
brittle on the prowl - 3/7/05
Hello... I'm afraid I have a
dilemma.
<OK. Let's see what we can do about helping the situation>
I recently purchased a green brittle star...
<Uh oh>
... at the
pet store in our town. The shop owner assured me there would be no
problem in my tank unless any fish got sick or weak.
<All I can say
here is research before purchasing....I know you know this now.>
All
was fine for the first few days, he and our mandarin seemed to be
getting along well, even hanging out in little areas together.
<Hangin' out is not the word I would use>
My husband and I kept a
close watch on them because we were concerned about the safety of our
<sic> fish.
<I can only recommend that again, research before
purchase. This starfish is well documented on our website.>
Just
when we thought things were alright, we caught our brittle star hovering
over our mandarin and lowering down as if to eat her!
<Very likely
so>
It even spit out the food it had been given about and hour
earlier! I had originally wanted a chocolate chip star, but again, the
shop owner advised that it would not be a good addition to a reef tank
(I only have a pink tip anemone and a mandarin in with the star)
<Well, a chocolate chip star is not a good reef tank addition but with
the lack of corals it would likely be fine. Chocolate Chip species are
hardy but aggressive feeders, more than happy to mount and consume
sessile clams, oysters and all manner of corals, soft and stony.>
My
questions to you are: Is this normal behavior for a brittle star?
<Not any brittle star but Ophiarachna. See here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brittlestars.htm. There are many
attractive and useful brittle stars. You just happened upon one of the
exceptions to the family.>
Should we be concerned for the life of
our Mandarin?
<Yes. The brittle star is only the beginning of issues
for the Mandarin fish. They need to either be trained to take frozen
food preparations or you need to have plenty of live foods either
available to you or in the aquarium where the mandarin is housed. A
mandarin can decimate a population of amphipods in a small tank in no
time.>
And would a chocolate chip have been a better choice?
<Really depends on your long-term vision for your tank keeping. Do your
research and then determine your preferred choice of animal>
Thank
you so much for your help.
<Our pleasure. Thanks for being part of
it all. ~Paul>
Green (not always) Brittle Star...Yummy
tankmates! 1/3/07
<Hi James, Mich with out today.>
You're website is great and you are all smarter and better looking than
I will ever be and if you can help me I will send you $5 in the mail...
<Heeheee! Flattery will get you everywhere!>
Today I woke up and
found half my sally light foot crab sticking out of the mouth of one of
my brittle stars.
<Sorry for your loss.>
Looking at
your website I have since determined that although dark brown in color,
it is indeed a green brittlestar.
<Yes, Green Brittle
stars, (Ophiarachna incrassata), may not always appear green. Though
the base color is usually light green to olive, there is often a
contrasting pattern of varying colors which can alter the overall
appearance.>
I have another brittle star that looks
almost exactly like this one but it is smaller and light tan. Is it
possible that this too is a 'green' brittle star? Is it that simple or
should I send a photo (which may be difficult since they avoid light.)
<It is possible. As a general statement, brittle stars, are not the
safest of tankmates. Serpent stars are much more docile and I think
preferable. My personal fav is the Ruby Red Serpent Star (Ophioderma
rubicundum).>
Also, if I do have to get rid of the two stars should
I find other animals to 'sift' my sand or is the likelihood that these
two stars were filling that niche low anyways?
<Low
likelihood.>
I have a half a dozen Cerith snails, a dozen Nassarius
snails, and a dozen little hermits to do that for me already (in a 29 g
tank).
<Mmm, more or less.>
Lastly, what is the best method to
capture these brittle stars so I can return them to the LFS?
<Usually can be lured from their hiding places by offering a tasty
morsel or two by hand.
Thanks,
<Welcome! -Mich>
James
Green brittle star, Marine Stocking 1/11/08
Hi WWMedia Crew!
<Hello>
I'm a huge fan of the site, as well as the Bob and Anthony's
books.
You've helped me a great deal, as I've moved forward with my
first tank.
<Great>
I'm hoping you can help me again. I'm looking
toward the somewhat distant future of my tank and had a question,
concerning the green brittle star's appetites. Would larger fish, e.g.
lionfish, morays or Marine Bettas be in jeopardy? (These are what I have
set up, to date.)
<Not likely, however I would guess the star would
be in danger from them, its legs could make a tasty snack.>
Of course
there's the Betta, who I know enjoys caves... once he has reached adult
size would he be OK with the green brittle star? The Betta comes first
for me--he's got nothing but personality, and I brought him home and
intend to care for him. I want to be sure he's safe.
<Most likely
would be ok, but honestly I would skip the star altogether, no need to
tempt fate by adding a piscivore to the tank.>
I have a 90g tank with
around 120 lbs. of live rock, a 20g and a TurboFlotor protein skimmer,
if that helps sketch out the logistics.
My levels are usually around
77 degrees, 1.023 SG, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, <10 nitrates, pH 8.2. No
inverts so far--aside from the ones that showed up on my live rock. I'm
sticking mostly with a FOWLR setup.
<Ok>
Thanks. I'm truly
grateful for all you do...
ATH
<Welcome>
<Chris>
Re: Stone crabs in my tank (not)... Ophiarachna after all –
10/30/2007
Not sure if you remember our discussion or not
<I
remember, reading, placing...>
I did promise to tell if I figured out
what was eating the missing tank members. We had quite a discussion a
few months ago. Well let me tell you the past few months have been nuts.
Had a pretty healthy Aiptasia bloom.
<These might do it...>
I had
2 live rocks with larger animals on them. The rest was a fine hair like
growth on the lace rock. First reaction is the lace rock was yanked and
bleached. I've done this with regularity over the 30 yrs I've had fish
with no bad affects. I just make sure to rinse really well and
completely air dry everything.
<Yes>
Anyway the 2 live rocks, one
smaller one was sacrificed, only thing of value was the rose anemone and
I removed him and placed him on a "safe" rock. Rose anemone was new and
I suspect the Aiptasia came in with him.
Broke the other rock off
and tossed the section with the Aiptasia.
<One control approach...>
Anyway to make a long story short I spent 2 days stripping the reef.
Took it really slow and pulled everything that I found off rocks and
moved them to other rocks.
During this strip search I found 2 more of
those darn Mithrax crabs!
<Ahh!>
Didn't catch them in the traps
and I spent about 2 weeks baiting and moving and setting up in different
ways in different locations with different baits.
Well ok, I thought
great we have all the little buggers and nothing else so restock the
tank.
First purchase, 3 peppermint shrimp (missing) one gorgeous blue
tux urchin, yep mildly predacious but darn do we have enough hair algae
to keep him pretty busy. Which is why I bought that "algae ONLY eating"
green bristle star!!!!!
<Mmm, hmmm>
Now let me explain, when I was
about 12 yrs old my mom bought this gorgeous salt water set up. She had
it for about 2 yrs and one day I came home to find it ripped down "out
of the wall" and sitting in the garage empty. When I asked her what was
up she explained that her "pet" chocolate chip star had eaten her last
fish. She had this star trained and she really thought it was cute how
he'd reach out and grab the food from her hand. Well instead of the food
it was her last fish and she took the star fish and dried him out and
set him on her bar to remind her to never get another fish tank.
<Yikes!>
Needless to say I have a poor opinion of star fish! That was
one of the big rules when we went into the tank, No star fish!
Well
he was playing with this guy in the store and I told him how I felt and
the employee walked up behind us and said """"""" Oh no that guy is
perfectly safe in your tank!! He only eats algae, he does get big and
will eat a lot of algae so you need to make sure he has enough to
eat!!!""""""""""""
<Right...>
Gee and maybe that's why I didn't
think about him when we were having our discussion about where my fish
were going!!
Yesterday, I acquired a new piece of live rock, it came
in with 5 almost microscopic stars on it. Well first thing was to
research and make sure the green star wouldn't fight with the little
guys, 2 blue Linckias and one black and a white ringed bristle star and
2 of those 5 legged little macro stars.
Lo and behold what do I find
when I come to your site and pull up the green bristle star fish.
Vicious fish eater!!!! Oy vie!! I could ring that pet store persons
neck!!
Anyway Bristle star is a pretty cool little/big guy at 12".
<!>
He's just gonna have to move to the isolation tank.
Oh and
guess what? More of those darn Mithrax crabs in the new piece of live
rock, Small piece about 6" and I've pulled 2 of them out so far!!
Nice rock with 5 lacy mushrooms on it at $20.
<I'd sell the
Mithraculus...>
Really glad we set up that isolation tank. Thank you
for that bit of advise..
Take care and sorry for the long winded
letter
Bridget
<Thank you for this follow-up. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Re: Stone crabs in my tank (not) 10/30/07
LoL you're too funny!!
I can just see it now Me standing on the street corner hollering, "hey
anyone want crabs"
ROTFL
Thank you for having your site, I can't
begin to tell you what an incredible resource it is!!
I am truly
grateful for all your help!
Take care
Bridget
<Thank you! BobF>
Green Brittle Starfish compatibility - 10/8/07
<Hello>
I have
a 55 gal with a Snowflake moray eel, Volitans lionfish, and an almost
three inch Niger trigger fish. <Need more room for these three.> I have
read about this "fish eating brittle star" <!> if I get a Green Brittle
Star will he eat my triggerfish, or any other of mine for that reason,
but I am most worried about me Niger.
<I wouldn’t take a chance on
it. There’s a good reason why they’re sometimes referred to as “The
Green Death”!>
Thank you very much.
<You’re welcome –Lynn>
Serpent Star Question 11/08/07
Reading tons of FAQ's and
reading the RC forums I found myself confused. I understood brittle
stars and serpent stars to be very different creatures.
<Um, not
necessarily. And this is the problem with common names. "Serpent"
and "brittle" could be used to describe different animals or they
could be used to describe the same animal. Please see here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/brittlestars.htm>
I also understood
green brittle stars to be very dangerous inhabitants to have in a
reef tank, but I had never heard anything negative about green
serpent stars.
In my tank I have assorted SPS, 2 hammer corals
(separate near an overflow), assorted Zoanthids, 2 blue/green
Chromis, 2 pajama cardinal, 2 black Ocellaris (1.5"), 2 peppermint
shrimp, and 2 skunk shrimp, and also a 5"red and 5"green serpent
star) The tank is a 120G containing about 150lbs of LR, with a 25G
sump, and 35G rock, Chaeto and DSB Fuge.
About 1 week ago 1
blue/green Chromis, and 1 peppermint shrimp disappeared. I had
previously wondered if there was any aggression in between fish, and
in order to watch I set up a mirror and watched from the next room
for several hours while surfing the web.
<cool idea>
There
was no aggression I could see. Now after reading some posts from
people about "dangerous green serpent stars" I wonder whether my
green serpent star is the offender (there was no body found), or if
someone was just mistaken and meant to right green brittle star.
<Maybe they weren't "mistaken" per se but simply had a different
idea of how to use the name(s).>
To sum this all up, is the green
serpent star dangerous, or does "green death" only apply to green
brittle stars?
<I think that the names "green serpent" and "green
brittle" are often used interchangeably. I've seen Ophioarachna
incrassata called by either name. Again, this is the tragedy of
common names. So, my friend, I'm sorry to say it sounds like you may
likely have the dreaded "Green Death" star (yet another common
name--though one a bit more specific in this case).>
Thank you so
much in advance, you folks were a wonderful resources helping me get
started.
Joshua
<Thank you and de nada,
Sara M.>
Re: Serpent Star Question, and Blenny question -11/11/07
Ah
thank you so much for the help and information, hopefully getting
the serpent/brittle/green death star out will have fixed the
disappearing Chromis and shrimp problem.
<Hope so! :-)>
I
dimmed the lights and coaxed him out over the course of an hour,
then grabbed him and moved him to the overflow on my refugium.
I
do have more questions for you though.
My stocking list goes In
my tank I have assorted SPS, 2 hammer corals (separate near an
overflow), assorted Zoanthids, 2 blue/green Chromis, 2 pajama
cardinal, 2 black Ocellaris (1.5"), 1 Orange Striped watchman goby
(3"), 2 peppermint shrimp, and 2 skunk shrimp, and also a 5"red and
5"green serpent star) The tank is a 120G (48x24x24) containing
about 150lbs of LR, with a 25G sump, and 35G rock, Chaeto and DSB
Fuge.
In my long term goals I hope to keep a mandarin dragonette,
but I am prepared to wait as long as needed to grow and maintain a
pod population capable of supporting him.
<Cool... and please
note that there are ways to culture these pods too.>
I am also
interested in a Foxface, but I am unsure if he would be appropriate
for two reasons, the four foot length of the tank,
<Hmm, why
would this bother the Foxface? They actually *need* a lot of space.>
and the bunches of potentially tasty corals.
<Huh, I think you
may be getting some weird misinformation on these fish. Please see
here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/rabbitfi.htm>
In the more
near future I am considering a Lawnmower Blenny to the tank. Do you
see any problems with him in this mix, I've heard they are
interesting creatures generally. Will the watchman goby be to
similarly shaped to get along with him.
<Haha, um, what? I'm
sorry, but are you sure you're thinking of the right fish here?
Shrimp/watchman gobies and Foxface/rabbit fish look nothing alike.
Please see here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/shrimpgobies.htm>
Thank you so much again, Cheekymonkey
<My pleasure,
Sara M.> |
Aggressive Lawnmower Blenny or Brittle Starfish! 03/11/2008
How are you all? Thank you once again for all of your help!
<<Good Morning, Andrew here today>>
Ok, can you tell me who the
culprit may be? About 5 days ago I purchased a Midas Blenny. Very
pretty and sweet he acclimated to the tank and was out swimming in
an hour.
<<You did not quarantine for 4 weeks??>>
He happened
to scout out a hole in a rock that my lawnmower blenny sleeps in
every night and camped out for a bit before the Lawnmower spotted
him and had a fit! He was trying to get him to get out by shaking
his body against the hole but the Midas was scared and wouldn't come
out. The Blenny then went into the same hole and pushed him out very
quickly. I then noticed a white very small spot on the Midas' left
fin.
<<Could of been caused by the two blennies in the same
hole>>
Over the past few days it has gotten smaller. I have been
soaking food in Garlic Extreme.
<<Garlic extreme is not a cure
for anything. All this will do is bolster the immune system a
little>>
Two night ago all my fish were fine. They all ate and
disappeared as they do when lights go out. I also had a small Bi
colored Blenny for about a month now. The Midas has been staying in
his hole for the most part except to come out and feed and swim on
his side of the tank closest to his rock. I noticed yesterday a.m.
that the Bi colored Blenny was missing! I do have, or shall I say
did have until today, a Brittle Starfish. I took him to my LFS and
gave it to him. He said that it wouldn't have been the Brittle and
that I should keep him as he was so beautiful and looked "well fed"
He said it was probably my Lawnmower Blenny that killed him and the
Starfish ate him.
<<This is a good possibility. Depending on the
species of brittle you had, some are known fish predators like the
green brittle. What SP. of brittle was yours?>>
I couldn't help
it and told him just to keep him because I didn't want to take
anymore chances. I noticed that my Six Line Wrasse has a bite out of
his tail fin! The Lawnmower has NEVER bothered my Wrasse or Dwarf
Coral.
Do you think it was the Brittle or the Lawnmower?
<<Lawnmower blennies are not aggressive fish per say, except to
others of similar body shape>>
I had been feeding my Brittle
every night at first by hand with shrimp and scallops and fish. The
LFS said not to do that and only feed him every three nights or so.
Do you think he got hungry and ate my little Bicolored friend? The
Lawnmower chased the Bi color every once in a while but never came
close to trying to bite him.
65 gallon with 75 lbs. live rock and
several small frag coral
Order which introduced and time in tank
flollows:
Dwarf Coral Beauty (2 Months)
Six Line Wrasse (2
months)
<<this fish should of been added last>>
Lawnmower
Blenny (1 1/2 months)
3 Blue Green Chromis (1 month)
Bi-color
Blenny R.I.P. :) (3 weeks)
Midas Blenny (5 days)
Starfish
Brittle Starfish (1+ months) gone now ( My Son bought it)
Algae
eating starfish (2 months aprox.)
Shrimp
1 Skunk cleaner (1+
months)
Water param.s have been great. I check them every week as
well as have my LFS just to compare.
<<At face value, i would
say its a possibility that you can put this disappearance down to
the brittle star. Out of the fish you stock, the 6 lines wrasse is
about the most aggressive, and really should of been added last. My
advice, now the brittle has gone, is to monitor the current stock>>
Thank you in advance for your opinion and all of your help! Rachel
<<Thanks for the questions, Hope this helps. A Nixon>>
Re: Aggressive Lawnmower Blenny or Brittle Starfish! 03/12/2008
Hi Andrew! Thank you for your quick response.
<<No problem>>
Yes it was a Green Brittle. Attached is a photo of what looks like
him setting up for the evening for his dinner! At the time I took
the pic, I thought he was just getting "comfortable" with his
environment. The LFS my Son bought him from said that don't eat
fish.
My Wrasse has never bothered one fish except for a Purple
Pseudochromis that I added. He immediately went after him. I quickly
got the Pseudo out and took him back and traded for the Midas Blenny
which he has not bothered once. The Six Line is probably my favorite
fish as he is always out. He really seems to "dance" in the current
at the front of the tank when I turn the stereo on. Almost seems to
be to the beat of the music! He is really cool! I added him in the
beginning due to a bristle worm problem. I did do extensive research
but it seems as though all the reef safe community fish I am
interested in can become territorial and should be added last. Where
do you start?
<<Well, where do you start? that's always a good
question. The best place to start is by having at hand a good
selection of books to research, rather than forums>>
Anyway,
after looking at the pic and reading my response to your questions,
do you still think it was the Green Brittle?
<<Yes, i would be
happy in saying it was more than likely the green brittle. They can
be / are predaceous>>
Or should I go back and get him? To tell
you the truth, I thought he was cool that he would eat out of my
hand. But on the other hand, he kind of gave me the creeps because
he reminded me of a Tarantula! I just thought he would be nice to
have because LFS said they ate everything down to fish waste!
<<He he he...yes, they do eat everything down to fish waste,
including small fish too>>
Thank you once again Andrew! Rachel
<<Good luck Rachel, hope the above helps. A Nixon>> |
|
Green brittlestar question, incomp. – 6/17/08
Dear Mr. Fenner,>
While my daughter is away at college, I am the caretaker for her
saltwater aquarium. In her absence, the brittlestar has grown
considerably. For the past few months, it has maintained a position
above and around the bubble-tip anemone, much to the detriment of the
anemone and to the frustration of the maroon clownfish. The brittlestar
seemed to have dislodged the anemone, which moved aimlessly for many
days before finding a new location. The brittlestar immediately moved to
shadow it in the new location. I have tried putting shrimp pellets in
other areas to lure it back where it had previously been, but it seems
to enjoy harassing the anemone and clownfish.
<The latter... is being
stalked>
I also suspect it of eating most of our snails.
<Could>
Could you please offer any suggestions and/or should I get rid of the
brittlestar?
<I would>
It is over a foot long from leg tip to leg
tip, and we have a 55 gallon aquarium. Thank you for any advice you have
to offer. Sincerely, Joan Bonnington, Houston, Texas
<Feel free to
refer your daughter to our site re this Ophiarachna. I would be trading
it out pronto. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Re: green brittlestar question, removal 6/18/08
Thanks for your help. I appreciate it. I am going to get fresh r/o
saltwater today, so I tried in vain to capture the brittlestar. He is
crafty, to say the least. I am going to have to do a major rock revamp
to be able to get to him. I was only able to get hold of legs, and I
didn't want to pull one off even.
I will try again later.
Joan
Bonnington
<Oh! Do simply bait this animal out... tie a bit of
marine origin meaty food to a rock or such, place toward the front,
bottom... when it comes out to eat (it will very soon if you mince a bit
and add the juice to the tank), hand-pick it out. Bob Fenner> |
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