What is it?

Noj · #1 03-20-2005, 03:46 AM

Hey everyone, I dont have a pic of this thing....YET.

But I will do my best to describe it. It moves only in the dark (crossed my tank in the pitch black, I am assuming at least, because today I can see one arm/leg/tentacle/something peaking out of a crack on the other side of the tank). It is a dark green in color, it has a bunch or arms/legs, at least 4 or 5, haven't seen them all, but have seen them poking out of 4 different cracks in the rock. It almost looks as though it would be a star fish, but it moves way too quickly. Legs kind of look like a fern.

Hope someone can explain this? My tank is cycling right now and this thingy obviously came in with my live rock.

A few other things I'd like you all to identify, but I wont ask those questions until I capture a picture of this little creeper.

sumpfinfishe · #2 03-20-2005, 04:28 AM

Sounds like a mantis shrimp to me

, although it could be shrimp or crab. I would suggest building a trap or buying one from your LFS to trap whatever it is, as your just starting the tank it will be much easier to catch whatever it is now rather than later. If you don't have any fish in the system I wouldn't add any at least until you identify what it is. The last thing you want is a hungry mantis and a new clown or goby in the same space.

You could also search the DIY forum here and on RC, where you will find great threads on how to build traps, simply search the word "trap".

Goodluck and if you can, try to get a snapshot even if you have to use the flash on your camera.

Sorry didn't see the word "starfish" in the last sentence, maybe you have nothing to worry about after all, first trap the sucker or at least get a picture before adding anything else to the tank tho

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #3 03-20-2005, 04:29 AM

Sounds like hitch-hiker brittlestars.

Anthony

Tarolisol · #4 03-20-2005, 05:16 AM

I think bristle star serpent star as well.

Noj · #5 03-20-2005, 05:50 AM

If it is this bristle star, do I have anything to worry about?

My lights are off in the tank now, so I am keeping an eye out to see if I can catch her in the act!!

If so, how do I post pictures?

Tarolisol · #6 03-20-2005, 05:54 AM

Bristle stars are fine for the tank, i have a rather large one in mine. to post the pic you would have to upload it to a host site.

Noj · #7 03-20-2005, 06:01 AM

Okay, so I got a picture...dont know yet how it will turn out.

Where do I find a host site?

Aquattro · #8 03-20-2005, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noj

If it is this bristle star, do I have anything to worry about?

Green brittle stars have been known to catch and consume fish. They are very fast, and great hunters. Remove it.

Noj · #9 03-20-2005, 06:04 AM

Okay, thanks Brad

I dont know if this is one though, it is definately NOT fast...or it is very decieving.

I flicked the light on to get a picture and it took about 10-15 seconds for it to move back an inch or so under the rock.

But i'm trying to load up a picture now

Aquattro · #10 03-20-2005, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noj

But i'm trying to load up a picture now

Did you read my sticky post on how to do that?