Is this a pest? ID please!

[AmatuerAuer]

Came in on an ORA Staghorn, living in the plug. White and black bands sticking out..

 

[helen ann]

hmmmmm, bristlestar maybe

 

[DeniseAndy]

Looks like the little micro brittle starfish. Super great guys for clean up and to watch all the little tentacles come out when feeding.

 

[AmatuerAuer]

That was my guess but thus far it/they haven't ventured out beyond that much.. bristles aren't bad correct? Never had them!

 

[Darth George]

Great when they're small! Can be a pain when they grow up.

 

[AmatuerAuer]

Whys that Darth?

 

[DeniseAndy]

Oh, if you have a reef, you have them. They can be super tiny up to maybe 2" across (with legs) if bigger. They hide most of the time and are nocturnal. They get into every crevice on the reef I swear. They are good. As the tank ages, pick up a rock one night and you will see at least two.

 

[DeniseAndy]

NEver heard of micro brittles as being an issue.

 

[AmatuerAuer]

Interesting! I guess I got a gimme with my frag! Thanks for such prompt responses everyone!

 

[KJ]

Micro brittle starfish

 

[Darth George]

Whys that Darth?

Just saw they were micro! They're good. I've got regular brittle that are 1 foot in diameter and steal all my eels food!

 

[Elementalj]

I've got one living inside a paly colony that sticks his out when feeding. I like it and we've named him Fred.