Hitchhiker Starfish

papap

Ok I just got a shipment of coral fags today. I noticed in the bag there was a small starfish. Best I can tell it is a Brittle Sea Star. It is only about 1/2" total size. Is it ok to add it to may tank? I have fish and cora with lots of live rock and sand.

SKAustin

Tiny serpent stars are quite common hitchhikers, and as long as they stay small, they are fine, and are actually very beneficial to the system at this size. They can also be a good indicator of proper husbandry. Their proliferation is highly dependent on good water quality. Some of these serpent stars may grow very quickly. They are, for all intents and purposes, omnivorous, but can capture and feed on smaller fish once they attain some size.