New Coral - What are these hitchhikers and should i get rid of them?

[Zpmada]

I recently purchased a new coral. As I have the bags floating, I noticed what looks like little legs moving around. I think it is some sort of micro brittle star but what do you think?

I didn't see it before purchasing as the coral was open. The owner said it is a Texas polyp and was only $5. I really liked how it looked Unfortunately I am reading it can be a pest and I shouldn't put it in my tank even if it's free. Should I get rid of this? Is the hitchhiker ok?

Also not sure what this green tubular looking coral is attached to my purple Taylor tree or if it's even alive or an old coral that died.

Thanks

 

[Zpmada]

Better picture

Better picture

Here is the star. Is this good in the tank? I'm worried I'll become overrun as I don't have anything to control their population. My inhabitants include:

2 clownfish
Purple firefish
Cardinalfish
Watchman goby
Pistol shrimp
Rose bubbletip anemone
Misc snails

 

[mcgyvr]

Beneficial brittle stars

 

[ReefkeeperZ]

micro brittle. good, scavenger, harmless.

 

[billdogg]

^^^What they said^^^

You want lots of them. If you end up with too many it is a sign that there are excess nutrients in the tank. Cut back on feeding and their population will decrease accordingly.

 

[Bruce51]

Lucky

 

[LeJeune981]

Lucky

+1
All of mine either died.. or I just don't see them any more... though I used to see them all the time..

I may order some.. but would rather get them as a hitchiker

Sent from my SM-S907VL using Tapatalk

 

[Jon0807]

Most people will tell you to dip your corals, in which case it will most likely die unless you pull it out and stick it in your tank before dipping the coral

 

[Uncle99]

I have had bad luck in the past with which are good and which are bad hitchhikers so for the last rebuild about 14 months ago.....no hitchhikers allowed......
Now in 14 months, I have no lost a snail, a shrimp, a fish or a piece of coral..hum?..?