Brittle vs. Serpent stars

[dmh41532]

I have two starfish that came on an acan. I don't know if they are brittles or serpents and frankly the internet didn't define well the differences. They tend to hide with just a few tentacles out to grab food. I only saw them twice they are about the size of a fifty cent piece. I read some forum that serpents are not reef safe and brittles are with caution that they will eat fish and snails. Should I be concerned? The stars are red with strips and very thin arms.

 

[smtank]

Serpent stars get huge.

What you most likely have is a common hitch-hicker a brittle star (Ophiuroidea). They do not get much bigger and are harmless.

 

[kikoreefer]

Brittle vs. Serpent stars

Serpent are safe as long as it is not green
My brittle is a foot across lol there are micros minis and regular.
Does yours have spikes or is it smooth?

 

[ReeferBill]

I have around a hundred tiny brittle stars in my reef and my sump. I do not think they are serpent stars. They rare great scavengers.

 

[dmh41532]

thanks everyone, I'm gonna let them be. No, they aren't green. They are red with spikes.