Zoanthid / brittle stars

[rjcranor]

I was wondering if brittle stars damage or effect zoanthids, I got a zoanthids awhile ago and it was doing fine then it closed up and has stayed that way. Then my wife noticed brittle stars sticking out of it, so i removed it and placed it on another rock in a different area. It still hasn't opened up but this morning I noticed brittle stars on it again. Are they causing this? Thanks!

 

[cbrennan4]

I don't think a brittle star would harm the zoa. Are you just seeing what you think are the tentacles of the brittle star? I only ask because the strands of spaghetti worms look like brittle star tentacles and those worms would irritate your zoas.

 

[buddythelion]

Those little fellahs? Nope, they just help keep your tank clean.

 

[rjcranor]

It's brittle stars, I saw one floating and landed in it this morning!

 

[rjcranor]

this is it closed up!

 

[ReeferBean]

Between or in the polyps? Maybe you are seeing zoa eating spiders sticking out from the polyp.

 

[rjcranor]

I watched a brittle star float down into it, they were around base of them!

 

[CoryC]

Did you dip it? I've had zoa eating nudibochs before that made them close up and then die

 

[bct15]

I have millions of those brittles in my tank and they don't seem to bother anybody. I have had a little unknown recession on an acro though so you never know. But I honestly, at this time, believe they are totally harmless.

Edit: and I always see them in and around my colonies. They just try to get in every crevice they can find. Every frag plug, every piece of rubble, even my filter sock all will be guaranteed to have at least four or five on it.


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[_Alex_]

I have them all over as well. Just great cleaner. And I'm not seeing much in the picture, unless I'm missing it......


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[Eckolancer]

I have a few types of zoas that stay halfway closed up like because they are getting hit with a lot of water movement 2 6095s pointed right at them. Those zoas in that area are spreading like wild fire. I kinda want to take them out of that area. Put it this way started with 2 polyps about 2 months ago, now over 50. Im afraid they may start taking over some sps soon as they are growing towards it fast.


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[Eckolancer]

Here is a pic of them about a month ago. Also anyone know what type of zoa these are?

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[NanaReefer]

You got a lot of flow on that sps? May be the reason the zoas are all closed up. Other then that zoas are notorious for going away without any obvious clues as to why :/

 

[rjcranor]

You can't see them in the picture, just another site someone asked for a picture. Figured they wanted to see how they were closed up!