brittle Star shortage?

[ReefsandGeeks]

I was interested in getting a brittle star as part of my CUC but calling around all of the LFS in Houston, only one store had any and it was the green kind(fish killers from what I've read).

I picked up a fighting conch and a few turbos and asked my LFS if they ever get brittles in and they said no because they have nowhere to house them. Something about them eating the fish and climbing out of the tanks.

Has anyone else had this problem? From what I've read only the green ones are agressive towards fish. should I give up on my quest to find a brittle for my tank? I have a pair a few small fish and don't want them getting eaten.

Thanks

 

[Calappidae]

I personally would stick with serpents. They always seem safer for some reason.

Brittles generally grow 2' in diameter sometimes while serpents grow maybe a foot at best. It's more of what you have room for. Just stay away from green brittles period.

My lfs always has black brittles, a giant yellow (might be the same one though..) and some serpents. I never see the colored serpents around however.

 

[Betta132]

And yes, greens WILL eat fish. They make caves of themselves and grab whatever swims under them. They're blatant fish-hunters.
Climbing out? I suppose that's possible. Maybe if they're really unhappy.
As for the rest, they're fish-safe if kept fed.