Do banded serpent stars eat fish?

[DrMMI]

I did a three day blackout to help combat some algae and my previously healthy and active carpenters wrasse seemingly disappeared by the time the lights came back on. The only new addition was a banded serpent star about a week prior. My tank is fully covered, but I checked all around the tank anyway to be sure it didn't jump. Then about two weeks later, one of my green chromis disappeared too. Coincidence or is the serpent star to blame?

 

[vetteguy53081]

They may eat a dead one but dont make a point to hunt. With light s out, the wrasse im sure is skiddish. The Serpent Starfish features long, serpent-like arms that allow them to move very quickly for a starfish. They are excellent scavengers that will feed mainly on decaying matter and plankton.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

I'd say coincidence. Serpant stars are model citizens. But it probably did eat the fish after it had already died

 

[Vette67]

I have had the exact same serpent star in my 180 reef for 10+ years now . I have never lost a fish to the star. If it did eat a fish, that fish was most likely already dead. Now I did have a green brittle star that would get up onto all 5 legs, and any fish that mistakenly hid under that star would become dinner. He got moved to the sump for years....

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have three that are at least 10" round and they only come out when I feed

 

[Casket_Case]

The only Star I’ve had eat fish was a red and black brittle star

 

[flyguy13]

I had a a green brittle that ate a flame angel, needless to say that was his last meal! Every banded serpent I’ve had were awesome tank mates.

 

[Vette67]

I have three that are at least 10" round and they only come out when I feed

10” green brittle stars? You are more trusting than I would be, for sure. Never again in my reef. I saw mine set the trap. Never saw it successfully catch a fish , but did see the outlines of my missing fish in the green brittle star.

 

[DrMMI]

Ok just checking. I don't know what would have happened to them. Forgot to mention my purple firefish also went missing in the last month too. Otherwise, I have rbta and a sebae anemone, but those fish in particular never went anywhere my anemones.