Are large brittle stars safe with fish and inverts?

abcha0s · #1 03-12-2010, 05:21 AM

I would like to know if you consider large brittle stars to be a threat to fish and inverts in a reef tank. I know the "green ones" are known to hunt fish, but there seems to be little consensus regarding the 2000 other species.

It is generally thought that these are peaceful scavengers and detritivores, but I am not convinced.

I recently purchased a large orange brittle star. Each leg measures roughly 7-8" and the body is 1.5"-2". Total from end to end is probably about 17" - It is a large brittle star.

The species was apparently imported from Tonga. It is listed as "Ophiothrix sp" but the ID is speculative. If anyone else purchased one of these brittle stars recently or has any info on this species, please share your experience with me.

View Poll Results: Are large brittle stars safe with fish and inverts
Only the small ones are safe – don’t trust any large ones	7	11.67%
Only the green ones hunt fish – trust all of the others	11	18.33%
Colour doesn’t matter – don’t trust any of them	2	3.33%
Get it out as fast as you can	2	3.33%
Innocent until proven guilty - keep a close eye on it	17	28.33%
Innocent until proven guilty – nothing to worry about	10	16.67%
Safe with fish but not inverts	1	1.67%
Safe with inverts but not fish	0	0%
They may eat sick or dying fish - but never a healthy fish	13	21.67%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 60. You may not vote on this poll