Friend or foe?

[ReeferRubio]

Got some shells for my blue leg hermits from my LFS and this was hitch hiking just wondering what it is and friend or foe?

 

[Dolphins18]

Brittle star, harmless, it will grow back the missing legs. Looks like hes had a rough journey only 2.5/5 legs left.

 

[sfin52]

Yep brittle star great hitchhiker

 

[JPM San Diego]

I would concur that diminutive brittle sea stars are harmless and fun to have around.
However, the large ones, as big as your hand, are not harmless and may eat your fish

 

[ReeferRubio]

Thanks for the responses the only question I have are they reef safe

 

[parvicrazy]

Yes they are reef safe and very cute

 

[ReeferRubio]

Yes they are reef safe and very cute

Thank you

 

[Karen00]

I would concur that diminutive brittle sea stars are harmless and fun to have around.
However, the large ones, as big as your hand, are not harmless and may eat your fish

Are there ones that stay small like in the OP's pic? I love these guys and would love to have one in my 5g (first tank) if at all possible.

 

[JPM San Diego]

Are there ones that stay small like in the OP's pic? I love these guys and would love to have one in my 5g (first tank) if at all possible.

Yes, in my experience the ones that come in tiny, stay tiny. I have never owned a large one (and don't intend to).
I have never seen tiny ones for sale. I have always gotten them as stowaways.

 

[Karen00]

Yes, in my experience the ones that come in tiny, stay tiny. I have never owned a large one (and don't intend to).
I have never seen tiny ones for sale. I have always gotten them as stowaways.

Thanks and darn! If they typically come in as stowaways then hopefully I will find someone that has one or two extra stowaways to sell. LOL