Green brittle star info please

[MikeP471612]

I have read they are great for a reef tank but I have also read that they can catch and eat small fish. Has anyone experianced this? Would they eat snails and hermits too? Or is that just a myth and they are totally harmless and safe to add to any tank?

Thanks

 

[greenbean36191]

It's well documented in the scientific literature as well as in the hobby that these do trap and eat healthy fish. Some people also have trouble with them eating snails, but I've never heard of them eating hermits.

 

[MikeP471612]

Hmm...thanks for the info. I read conflicting info on the net. Maybe I'll look for a different type of bristle. Suggestions?

Thanks

 

[hypermikie]

Red/Maroon Serpents are an alternative... peacefull and good scavengers IME.

 

[whatcaneyedo]

I have a huge green brittle star and hermits eat it! I got rid of all of my hermits a while ago but they used to eat all of the little spines off of the legs of my star so that it just looked smooth and green... Those spines have grown back and it looks nice and healthy and I keep it with very large fish so I havent had a problem with it eating anyone.