Small Starfish - Good or Bad? [Archive]

Ct Midnite

December 17th 03, 07:54 PM

Little light brown thing right in the middle of the picture. They
blend in very well. He's almost round but in 3D he has legs. They're
just webbed. Skin in between them.

On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 10:52:00 -0800, "CapFusion"
> wrote:

>Is it just me? I can not tell where the starfish locate or I am having hard
>time finding it.
>
>CapFusion,...
>
>
>"Ct Midnite" <mreef2.10.muffin@spamgourmet.(nospam)com> wrote in message
...
>> I've got a small starfish that came in on my live rock or live sand.
>>
>> So far they're just in my refugium but I need to know if they're a
>> harmful kind. I read an article talking about how bad some are. I
>> keep taking them out but for all I know he's harmless.
>>
>> http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/whatisit.html
>>
>> Any help would be appreciated. I found two today.
>>
>>
>>
>> Ct Midnite
>>
>> http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/fish.html
>

Ct Midnite

http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/fish.html

Ct Midnite

December 17th 03, 08:07 PM

I put up a closeup but it's not very clear.

On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 10:52:00 -0800, "CapFusion"
> wrote:

>Is it just me? I can not tell where the starfish locate or I am having hard
>time finding it.
>
>CapFusion,...
>
>
>"Ct Midnite" <mreef2.10.muffin@spamgourmet.(nospam)com> wrote in message
...
>> I've got a small starfish that came in on my live rock or live sand.
>>
>> So far they're just in my refugium but I need to know if they're a
>> harmful kind. I read an article talking about how bad some are. I
>> keep taking them out but for all I know he's harmless.
>>
>> http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/whatisit.html
>>
>> Any help would be appreciated. I found two today.
>>
>>
>>
>> Ct Midnite
>>
>> http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/fish.html
>

Ct Midnite

http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/fish.html

Dragon Slayer

December 18th 03, 05:10 AM

looks like the tiny sepent stars and they are no harm at all they dont get
much larger then a quarter.

kc

"Ct Midnite" <mreef2.10.muffin@spamgourmet.(nospam)com> wrote in message
...
> I put up a closeup but it's not very clear.
>
> On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 10:52:00 -0800, "CapFusion"
> > wrote:
>
> >Is it just me? I can not tell where the starfish locate or I am having
hard
> >time finding it.
> >
> >CapFusion,...
> >
> >
> >"Ct Midnite" <mreef2.10.muffin@spamgourmet.(nospam)com> wrote in message
> ...
> >> I've got a small starfish that came in on my live rock or live sand.
> >>
> >> So far they're just in my refugium but I need to know if they're a
> >> harmful kind. I read an article talking about how bad some are. I
> >> keep taking them out but for all I know he's harmless.
> >>
> >> http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/whatisit.html
> >>
> >> Any help would be appreciated. I found two today.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Ct Midnite
> >>
> >> http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/fish.html
> >
>
> Ct Midnite
>
> http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/fish.html

CapFusion

December 18th 03, 06:20 PM

"Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
...
> looks like the tiny sepent stars and they are no harm at all they dont get
> much larger then a quarter.
>
> kc

I would remove the serpent star eventhough it still small. It will eat
anything that it able to get.

CapFusion,...

Teri G

December 18th 03, 07:39 PM

CapFusion wrote:

(snipped)
>
> I would remove the serpent star eventhough it still small. It will eat
> anything that it able to get.

The only Serpent star I'm aware of that is known for causing problems in
captivity is the Green Serpent (Green/Olive Brittle) - Ophiarachna
incrassata. These are known to be predatory, and will feed on
sleeping/unaware fish.

All other Serpent & Brittle stars have a decent reputation for being
good scavengers/detritus eaters. Of course, as they get large, their
appetite will increase, and they should be offered supplemental
feedings. We have 2 brown-black Brittle stars that we've had for close
to 5 years. The largest of the two measures approximately 17" from the
tip of one leg to the tip of the opposite. We affectionately refer to
them as our "Sea Monsters" - but they are very peaceful, and have never
bothered anything in the tank.

Teri
http://www.reefsanctuary.com

Fishnut

December 18th 03, 08:44 PM

On Thu, 18 Dec 2003 14:39:53 -0500, Teri G >
wrote:

>CapFusion wrote:
>
>(snipped)
>>
>> I would remove the serpent star eventhough it still small. It will eat
>> anything that it able to get.
>
>The only Serpent star I'm aware of that is known for causing problems in
>captivity is the Green Serpent (Green/Olive Brittle) - Ophiarachna
>incrassata. These are known to be predatory, and will feed on
>sleeping/unaware fish.
>
>All other Serpent & Brittle stars have a decent reputation for being
>good scavengers/detritus eaters. Of course, as they get large, their
>appetite will increase, and they should be offered supplemental
>feedings. We have 2 brown-black Brittle stars that we've had for close
>to 5 years. The largest of the two measures approximately 17" from the
>tip of one leg to the tip of the opposite. We affectionately refer to
>them as our "Sea Monsters" - but they are very peaceful, and have never
>bothered anything in the tank.
>
>Teri
>http://www.reefsanctuary.com

Teri,

How do you manage to see your brittlestars ? I have put 2 red/brown
ones in my display-tank at different times, and I have yet to see them
in there. They were quite active in my Q-tank before I moved them.
They are very cheap at a LFS £ 6.00 (say US $ 10.00). I have got 2
more in my Q-tank at present.

Regards, Fishnut.

Marc Levenson

December 18th 03, 08:57 PM

You and me both, Fishnut. I have two serpent stars that I *rarely* see in my
55g, even at night. They even sense light from my flashlight and retract the
only tentacle I see when light sweeps across it.

I bought a green Linkia for my 29g two weeks ago, and it is still in the exact
same place I saw it a week ago, hidden in a nook (or a cranny). <grin> Nothing
has attempted to eat it thus far.

Marc

Fishnut wrote:

> Teri,
>
> How do you manage to see your brittlestars ? I have put 2 red/brown
> ones in my display-tank at different times, and I have yet to see them
> in there. They were quite active in my Q-tank before I moved them.
> They are very cheap at a LFS £ 6.00 (say US $ 10.00). I have got 2
> more in my Q-tank at present.
>
> Regards, Fishnut.

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

Charles Spitzer

December 18th 03, 09:03 PM

drop a sinking pellet of food in at night out of reach of their tentacles. i
collected a bunch of them and they promptly disappeared under the rocks. the
only time i ever saw them was a feeding time. they put out an arm waving
around in the water column looking for stuff if the light is on.

they're mostly night scavengers.

"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
...
> You and me both, Fishnut. I have two serpent stars that I *rarely* see in
my
> 55g, even at night. They even sense light from my flashlight and retract
the
> only tentacle I see when light sweeps across it.
>
> I bought a green Linkia for my 29g two weeks ago, and it is still in the
exact
> same place I saw it a week ago, hidden in a nook (or a cranny). <grin>
Nothing
> has attempted to eat it thus far.
>
> Marc
>
>
> Fishnut wrote:
>
> > Teri,
> >
> > How do you manage to see your brittlestars ? I have put 2 red/brown
> > ones in my display-tank at different times, and I have yet to see them
> > in there. They were quite active in my Q-tank before I moved them.
> > They are very cheap at a LFS £ 6.00 (say US $ 10.00). I have got 2
> > more in my Q-tank at present.
> >
> > Regards, Fishnut.
>
> --
> Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
>
>

CapFusion

December 18th 03, 09:24 PM

>
> The only Serpent star I'm aware of that is known for causing problems in
> captivity is the Green Serpent (Green/Olive Brittle) - Ophiarachna
> incrassata. These are known to be predatory, and will feed on
> sleeping/unaware fish.
>
> All other Serpent & Brittle stars have a decent reputation for being
> good scavengers/detritus eaters. Of course, as they get large, their
> appetite will increase, and they should be offered supplemental
> feedings. We have 2 brown-black Brittle stars that we've had for close
> to 5 years. The largest of the two measures approximately 17" from the
> tip of one leg to the tip of the opposite. We affectionately refer to
> them as our "Sea Monsters" - but they are very peaceful, and have never
> bothered anything in the tank.

Sorry, I did not declare which serpent star. At the time I was typing in, I
was thinking about the Green Serpent Star. I normally see them as a problem
due to aggressiviness awhile back with my Brittle worm. Now, I do not have
any type of Serpent star except for the brittlle star.

CapFusion,...

Dr Drudge

December 18th 03, 09:31 PM

What about the infauna?
Will serpent stars (aside from the green) deplete my population of
bristle and spaghetti worms, and 'pods?

What about brittle stars?

TIA

"Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message >...
> looks like the tiny sepent stars and they are no harm at all they dont get
> much larger then a quarter.
>
> kc
>
>
>
> "Ct Midnite" <mreef2.10.muffin@spamgourmet.(nospam)com> wrote in message
> ...
> > I put up a closeup but it's not very clear.
> >
> > On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 10:52:00 -0800, "CapFusion"
> > > wrote:
> >
> > >Is it just me? I can not tell where the starfish locate or I am having
> hard
> > >time finding it.
> > >
> > >CapFusion,...
> > >
> > >
> > >"Ct Midnite" <mreef2.10.muffin@spamgourmet.(nospam)com> wrote in message
> > ...
> > >> I've got a small starfish that came in on my live rock or live sand.
> > >>
> > >> So far they're just in my refugium but I need to know if they're a
> > >> harmful kind. I read an article talking about how bad some are. I
> > >> keep taking them out but for all I know he's harmless.
> > >>
> > >> http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/whatisit.html
> > >>
> > >> Any help would be appreciated. I found two today.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Ct Midnite
> > >>
> > >> http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/fish.html
> > >
> >
> > Ct Midnite
> >
> > http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/fish.html

CapFusion

December 19th 03, 12:05 AM

"Dr Drudge" > wrote in message
om...
> What about the infauna?
> Will serpent stars (aside from the green) deplete my population of
> bristle and spaghetti worms, and 'pods?
>
> What about brittle stars?

So far, the only star that I know / used have is Green Serpent Star that
decrease my brittle worm population. Any other serpent star, I do not have
experience of, yet.

If you have large tank or enough room with hiding place,

From what I can tell and from people, all star will eat infauna, clam,
mussel, algae and worm.
Most Star either Omnivore or Carnivore type.

I would suggest not to have too much starfish if you have DSB. The bad - You
may need to replenish your DSB / LS. The good - Star will do a good job of
scavenging and detritus.

CapFusion,...

Teri G

December 19th 03, 01:29 AM

Fishnut wrote:

(snipped)

>
> Teri,
>
> How do you manage to see your brittlestars ? I have put 2 red/brown
> ones in my display-tank at different times, and I have yet to see them
> in there. They were quite active in my Q-tank before I moved them.
> They are very cheap at a LFS £ 6.00 (say US $ 10.00). I have got 2
> more in my Q-tank at present.
>
> Regards, Fishnut.
>

Fishnut,

Ours are definitely noctural. I see a leg or legs poking out here and
there, especially when I feed the tank, but I very very rarely see the
entire star. I tend to see more of them after lights out, when poking
around with a flashlight, but they do shy from the light.

Once in a while I hand feed them a chunk of scallop or clam. Once, one
of them totally wrapped itself around my hand. Talk about a creepy
sqeamish feeling <telling myself it's JUST a starfish ... LOL>

Teri
http://www.reefsanctuary.com

Teri G

December 19th 03, 01:33 AM

Marc Levenson wrote:

> You and me both, Fishnut. I have two serpent stars that I *rarely* see in my
> 55g, even at night. They even sense light from my flashlight and retract the
> only tentacle I see when light sweeps across it.

Marc - there's some pretty cool research out there that indicates that
the the entire outer skeleton of a Brittle star is covered with
crystalline "lenses" that work collectively as *one* eye.

Here's one article about it:

http://www.imagequest3d.com/pages/general/news/brittlestars/

> I bought a green Linkia for my 29g two weeks ago, and it is still in the exact
> same place I saw it a week ago, hidden in a nook (or a cranny). <grin> Nothing
> has attempted to eat it thus far.

I've never seen a Green Linckia. Happen to have any pics?
>
> Marc

Teri
http://www.reefsanctuary.com

Teri G

December 19th 03, 01:37 AM

Dr Drudge wrote:

> What about the infauna?
> Will serpent stars (aside from the green) deplete my population of
> bristle and spaghetti worms, and 'pods?

Nope - they shouldn't. They are mostly scavengers and detritus eaters.
The "sand sifters" are usually the "Astropecten" stars. Like this one:

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=23&pCatId=572

> What about brittle stars?

Brittle stars & serpent stars are biologically and physically identical.
The differentiation is only a hobbyist one.

Teri
http://www.reefsanctuary.come53/fish.html

Marc Levenson

December 19th 03, 05:47 AM

Thanks for the article Teri, that was interesting. I have a few pictures, but as
pointed out, it has been very elusive thus far.

http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/green_linkia1.jpg
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/green_linkia2.jpg
http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/green_linkia3.jpg

These were all taken at night, using the flash or flashlight.

I hope it comes out like the purple, blue and burgundy ones do. Maybe it is hiding
from my Coral Banded Shimp?

Marc

Teri G wrote:

> Marc - there's some pretty cool research out there that indicates that
> the the entire outer skeleton of a Brittle star is covered with
> crystalline "lenses" that work collectively as *one* eye.
>
> Here's one article about it:
>
> http://www.imagequest3d.com/pages/general/news/brittlestars/
>
> > I bought a green Linkia for my 29g two weeks ago, and it is still in the exact
> > same place I saw it a week ago, hidden in a nook (or a cranny). <grin> Nothing
> > has attempted to eat it thus far.
>
> I've never seen a Green Linckia. Happen to have any pics?
> >
> > Marc
>
> Teri
> http://www.reefsanctuary.com

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

Teri G

December 19th 03, 01:30 PM

Marc Levenson wrote:

> Thanks for the article Teri, that was interesting. I have a few pictures, but as
> pointed out, it has been very elusive thus far.
>
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/green_linkia1.jpg
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/green_linkia2.jpg
> http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/1203/green_linkia3.jpg

Very cool looking star!
>
> These were all taken at night, using the flash or flashlight.
>
> I hope it comes out like the purple, blue and burgundy ones do. Maybe it is hiding
> from my Coral Banded Shimp?

Ack - C Banded's - nasty critters. ;-) What size tank do you have? We
have a beautiful blue Linckia sp., but I have always been afraid of
adding another Linckia (food competition).
>
> Marc
>

Thanks!

Teri
www.reefsanctuary.com

Marc Levenson

December 19th 03, 02:27 PM

> Very cool looking star!

I wish it would come out so I can appreciate it more! ;)

> Ack - C Banded's - nasty critters. ;-) What size tank do you have? We
> have a beautiful blue Linckia sp., but I have always been afraid of
> adding another Linckia (food competition).

This is in a 29g reef, and then my 55g reef has two serpent stars and a bunch of
corals-n-fish.

Marc

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

Fishnut

December 19th 03, 04:55 PM

>
>Fishnut,
>
>Ours are definitely noctural. I see a leg or legs poking out here and
>there, especially when I feed the tank, but I very very rarely see the
>entire star. I tend to see more of them after lights out, when poking
>around with a flashlight, but they do shy from the light.
>
>Once in a while I hand feed them a chunk of scallop or clam. Once, one
>of them totally wrapped itself around my hand. Talk about a creepy
>sqeamish feeling <telling myself it's JUST a starfish ... LOL>
>
>Teri
>http://www.reefsanctuary.com

Teri,

Continuing this theme, I was talking with the manager of another LFS
which I visit, when I had bought my first brittlestar, and he was
telling me that he was trying to catch one, using 2 nets. As he lifted
it to put it into a polybag, it jumped out of the net and shot up his
arm. We had a good laugh, but as you say, the effect on your nervous
system must be initially alarming, even though it is a tiny animal.

Unfortunately, they stopped doing marines because they did not sell
enough. It is my preferred LFS, but I can only buy freshwater tropical
and frozen-food there now. I ask them to start marines again, so who
knows ....

Regards, Fishnut.

Fishnut

December 19th 03, 05:08 PM

On Thu, 18 Dec 2003 20:33:55 -0500, Teri G >
wrote:

>Marc Levenson wrote:
>
>> You and me both, Fishnut. I have two serpent stars that I *rarely* see in my
>> 55g, even at night. They even sense light from my flashlight and retract the
>> only tentacle I see when light sweeps across it.
>
>Marc - there's some pretty cool research out there that indicates that
>the the entire outer skeleton of a Brittle star is covered with
>crystalline "lenses" that work collectively as *one* eye.
>
>Here's one article about it:
>
>http://www.imagequest3d.com/pages/general/news/brittlestars/
>
Teri,

I echo Marc's comments. It is a very interesting article (I have
printed it for future refce.). This development will presumably have
been "honed" over thousands of years - fantastic !

Regards, Fishnut.

Ct Midnite

December 19th 03, 06:35 PM

On Thu, 18 Dec 2003 20:37:34 -0500, Teri G >
wrote:

>Brittle stars & serpent stars are biologically and physically identical.
> The differentiation is only a hobbyist one.
>
>Teri
>http://www.reefsanctuary.come53/fish.html

Ok I have a huge Green brittle with the spikey arms that I have moved
into a fish only tank and may take back.

I have a what they call a fancy brittle star that is black and white
and has spikes on this arms.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=23&pCatId=1741

And then I have what they call a Serpent Sea Star that has a copper
colored body with tan arms that are completely smooth.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=23&pCatId=734

If they are both the brittle and serpent are both the same then what
is the smooth skinned starfish really called? They can't be
physically identical and be so different.

BTW I've only seen the black and white one once since I've gotten him.
Arms a lot but not all of him. The copper colored one is out quite a
bit. It took about a month but now he's out in the light a lot.

Ct Midnite

http://www.geocities.com/ctmidnite53/fish.html

Teri G

December 19th 03, 08:20 PM

Ct Midnite wrote:

> Ok I have a huge Green brittle with the spikey arms that I have moved
> into a fish only tank and may take back.
>
> I have a what they call a fancy brittle star that is black and white
> and has spikes on this arms.
> http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=23&pCatId=1741
>
>
> And then I have what they call a Serpent Sea Star that has a copper
> colored body with tan arms that are completely smooth.
> http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=23&pCatId=734
>
> If they are both the brittle and serpent are both the same then what
> is the smooth skinned starfish really called? They can't be
> physically identical and be so different.
>
> BTW I've only seen the black and white one once since I've gotten him.
> Arms a lot but not all of him. The copper colored one is out quite a
> bit. It took about a month but now he's out in the light a lot.
>
> Ct Midnite

Ct ~

Hobbyists usually refer to the ones which have visible "spikes" on their
arms as the Brittle stars, and the smooth-skinned ones are usually
called Serpent stars. I shouldn't have said no physical difference,
specifically, it is no *anatomical* or *biological* difference.

Here is a very good article that explains it far better than I can:

http://home.att.net/~ophiuroid/html/aquarium.html

And, if anyone is interested in learning more about Brittle (aka
Serpent) stars, this is an excellent article:

http://home.att.net/~ophiuroid/html/what.html

Happy reading!

Teri
http://www.reefsanctuary.com

Teri G

December 19th 03, 08:25 PM

Marc Levenson wrote:

(snipped)
>
> This is in a 29g reef, and then my 55g reef has two serpent stars and a bunch of
> corals-n-fish.
>
> Marc

> Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
> Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

Marc,

We have a 180g display (300g system) - there is about 250lbs of LR in
the display, and probably 400lbs total. I was always warned never to
add more than one Linckia, as they consume an "algal slime" off the LR
(will not accept supplemental foods), and they may easily starve if
there are several Linckias in one tank.

I'm assuming this has not been your experience. How long have you had
the stars? Obviously they are all healthy, and display no signs of
"thinning" or shrinking? I may need to add a new color to my tank!

Thanks for the reply!

Teri
http://www.reefsanctuary.com

Marc Levenson

December 20th 03, 03:44 AM

Teri G wrote:

> We have a 180g display (300g system) - there is about 250lbs of LR in
> the display, and probably 400lbs total. I was always warned never to
> add more than one Linckia, as they consume an "algal slime" off the LR
> (will not accept supplemental foods), and they may easily starve if
> there are several Linckias in one tank.

I've never owned a linkia myself, but saw these and thought I might as well try. I
grilled the employee about how they should be acclimated and never be in the air nor
touched by human hands. That seems to be the common belief on RC with those that
discussed this creature, if you want to be successful. The guy told me what they do
since they run a serious tank service (for the rich, not us common folk).

I acclimated the Linkia for at least 2 hours, and poured it into the tank rather than
risk air or skin touching it. Within 30 minutes, it was up the surface clinging to
the glass and hugging a snail. <grin>

A few days later I remembered I'd bought it and went looking and found it in that
crevice. It hasn't moved and doesn't look thinner, but it has only been three weeks.

I've seen a few other Linkias in other club member's tanks, and I agree they feed
themselves.

> I'm assuming this has not been your experience. How long have you had
> the stars? Obviously they are all healthy, and display no signs of
> "thinning" or shrinking? I may need to add a new color to my tank!

The serpent stars came with the 55g setup I bought (FOWLR and 200+ppm nitrates) and
have continued to skulk around for the past 13 months.

Marc

--
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Boomer

December 20th 03, 04:17 PM

That isn't a baby a serpent star at all but looks like more like one of these. They have
seven arms, and 99% of all brittles have five-arms

http://www.garf.org/STAR/starfish.html

--
Boomer

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If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up
"CapFusion" > wrote in message
...
:
: "Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
: ...
: > looks like the tiny sepent stars and they are no harm at all they dont get
: > much larger then a quarter.
: >
: > kc
:
: I would remove the serpent star eventhough it still small. It will eat
: anything that it able to get.
:
: CapFusion,...
:
:

Boomer

December 20th 03, 04:27 PM

and some times 6 arms
http://www.michiganreefers.com/forum/data/Adam101/20031117161041_6%20leg%20star.JPG
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"CapFusion" > wrote in message
...
:
: "Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
: ...
: > looks like the tiny sepent stars and they are no harm at all they dont get
: > much larger then a quarter.
: >
: > kc
:
: I would remove the serpent star eventhough it still small. It will eat
: anything that it able to get.
:
: CapFusion,...
:
:

Boomer

December 20th 03, 04:56 PM

Marc

I have a what you would all an exact photo of what you have posted. page 79;

Echinoderms of Florida and the Caribbean: Sea Stars, Sea Urchins and Allies, by Hendler

Yours doesn't look like a Linckia at all but a close relative_Ophidiaster guildingii_.

Here is some info on the two species

http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/fieldcourses03/OutlinemarineecologyArticles/Starfish.First
submission.html

There are now images of this star on the net

Linckia have a granular to circular look to them on the top of the arms, where as yours
seems to be made of more square like depressions, in set uniform rows, which is that of
Ophidiaster. This star also has many color variants like Linck' and is often mis ID as a
Linck'

Linck's
http://www.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Seastars&slide=165.jpg
http://www.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Seastars&slide=166.jpg
http://www.oceanicventures.com/news/photos/Linckia_laevigata.jpg

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"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message ...
: You and me both, Fishnut. I have two serpent stars that I *rarely* see in my
: 55g, even at night. They even sense light from my flashlight and retract the
: only tentacle I see when light sweeps across it.
:
: I bought a green Linkia for my 29g two weeks ago, and it is still in the exact
: same place I saw it a week ago, hidden in a nook (or a cranny). <grin> Nothing
: has attempted to eat it thus far.
:
: Marc
:
:
: Fishnut wrote:
:
: > Teri,
: >
: > How do you manage to see your brittlestars ? I have put 2 red/brown
: > ones in my display-tank at different times, and I have yet to see them
: > in there. They were quite active in my Q-tank before I moved them.
: > They are very cheap at a LFS £ 6.00 (say US $ 10.00). I have got 2
: > more in my Q-tank at present.
: >
: > Regards, Fishnut.
:
: --
: Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
: Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
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:
:

Boomer

December 20th 03, 04:58 PM

Are you lost today :-)

Feeling much better, all house problems fixed, minus the stove, do that on Monday, need a
part

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"Fishnut" > wrote in message
...
: On Thu, 18 Dec 2003 14:39:53 -0500, Teri G >
: wrote:
:
: >CapFusion wrote:
: >
: >(snipped)
: >>
: >> I would remove the serpent star eventhough it still small. It will eat
: >> anything that it able to get.
: >
: >The only Serpent star I'm aware of that is known for causing problems in
: >captivity is the Green Serpent (Green/Olive Brittle) - Ophiarachna
: >incrassata. These are known to be predatory, and will feed on
: >sleeping/unaware fish.
: >
: >All other Serpent & Brittle stars have a decent reputation for being
: >good scavengers/detritus eaters. Of course, as they get large, their
: >appetite will increase, and they should be offered supplemental
: >feedings. We have 2 brown-black Brittle stars that we've had for close
: >to 5 years. The largest of the two measures approximately 17" from the
: >tip of one leg to the tip of the opposite. We affectionately refer to
: >them as our "Sea Monsters" - but they are very peaceful, and have never
: >bothered anything in the tank.
: >
: >Teri
: >http://www.reefsanctuary.com
:
: Teri,
:
: How do you manage to see your brittlestars ? I have put 2 red/brown
: ones in my display-tank at different times, and I have yet to see them
: in there. They were quite active in my Q-tank before I moved them.
: They are very cheap at a LFS £ 6.00 (say US $ 10.00). I have got 2
: more in my Q-tank at present.
:
: Regards, Fishnut.
:
:

Boomer

December 20th 03, 07:57 PM

"There are now images of this star on the net"

No images on the net

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If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up
"Boomer" > wrote in message
...
: Marc
:
: I have a what you would all an exact photo of what you have posted. page 79;
:
: Echinoderms of Florida and the Caribbean: Sea Stars, Sea Urchins and Allies, by Hendler
:
: Yours doesn't look like a Linckia at all but a close relative_Ophidiaster guildingii_.
:
: Here is some info on the two species
:
:
http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/fieldcourses03/OutlinemarineecologyArticles/Starfish.First
: submission.html
:
:
: There are now images of this star on the net
:
: Linckia have a granular to circular look to them on the top of the arms, where as yours
: seems to be made of more square like depressions, in set uniform rows, which is that of
: Ophidiaster. This star also has many color variants like Linck' and is often mis ID as a
: Linck'
:
:
: Linck's
: http://www.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Seastars&slide=165.jpg
: http://www.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Seastars&slide=166.jpg
: http://www.oceanicventures.com/news/photos/Linckia_laevigata.jpg
:
: --
: Boomer
:
: Want to talk chemistry ? The Reef Chemistry Forum
: http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/index.php
:
: Want to See More ?
: Please Join Our Growing Membership
: www.coralrealm.com
:
: If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up
: "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message ...
: : You and me both, Fishnut. I have two serpent stars that I *rarely* see in my
: : 55g, even at night. They even sense light from my flashlight and retract the
: : only tentacle I see when light sweeps across it.
: :
: : I bought a green Linkia for my 29g two weeks ago, and it is still in the exact
: : same place I saw it a week ago, hidden in a nook (or a cranny). <grin> Nothing
: : has attempted to eat it thus far.
: :
: : Marc
: :
: :
: : Fishnut wrote:
: :
: : > Teri,
: : >
: : > How do you manage to see your brittlestars ? I have put 2 red/brown
: : > ones in my display-tank at different times, and I have yet to see them
: : > in there. They were quite active in my Q-tank before I moved them.
: : > They are very cheap at a LFS £ 6.00 (say US $ 10.00). I have got 2
: : > more in my Q-tank at present.
: : >
: : > Regards, Fishnut.
: :
: : --
: : Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
: : Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
: : Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com
: :
: :
:
:

Marc Levenson

December 21st 03, 08:28 AM

Thanks Boomer, I thought it wasn't the typical *look* of a Linkia, but that is how it was
labeled on several display tanks at this LFS. I even told him I'd never heard of a Green
Linkia.....

So I read the link you pointed out, but Google didn't pop up any images from the Latin Name,
just a bunch of dreary articles. ;) From what you've read/know, is this a predatory starfish
that needs to be pulled from my reef tank?

Marc

Boomer wrote:

> Marc
>
> I have a what you would all an exact photo of what you have posted. page 79;
>
> Echinoderms of Florida and the Caribbean: Sea Stars, Sea Urchins and Allies, by Hendler
>
> Yours doesn't look like a Linckia at all but a close relative_Ophidiaster guildingii_.
>
> Here is some info on the two species
>
> http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/fieldcourses03/OutlinemarineecologyArticles/Starfish.First
> submission.html
>
> There are now images of this star on the net
>
> Linckia have a granular to circular look to them on the top of the arms, where as yours
> seems to be made of more square like depressions, in set uniform rows, which is that of
> Ophidiaster. This star also has many color variants like Linck' and is often mis ID as a
> Linck'
>
> Linck's
> http://www.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Seastars&slide=165.jpg
> http://www.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Seastars&slide=166.jpg
> http://www.oceanicventures.com/news/photos/Linckia_laevigata.jpg
>
> --
> Boomer
>
> Want to talk chemistry ? The Reef Chemistry Forum
> http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/index.php
>

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Marc Levenson

December 21st 03, 08:32 AM

Yeah, I noticed. :)

Marc

Boomer wrote:

> "There are now images of this star on the net"
>
> No images on the net
>
> --
> Boomer
>

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Boomer

December 21st 03, 06:19 PM

It appears Marc to have the same food habits as Linckia, meaning they are both ciliary
feeders and ingest the film of microorganisms adhering to hard surfaces. It is reported
they will also feed on carrion. It is reported they **may** fed on sponges. You should be
Ok. Just so you know, there are no green varieties mentioned in my books. However, the pic
I have has a slight green tinge to it in the "squares". Also, just so you know, sometimes
a species will have to names, such as Linckia guildingii and Ophidiaster
guildingii.....**NOT here, these are two different species**, a rare case you see this.
Usually they are the same species and one is a re-naming do to some mistake years ago
during classification. I do have other images of Ophidiaster guildingii but none that
depict the image you posted, which is just like the one in Hendler and Miller

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If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up
"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message ...
Thanks Boomer, I thought it wasn't the typical *look* of a Linkia, but that is how it
was labeled on several display tanks at this LFS. I even told him I'd never heard of a
Green Linkia.....
So I read the link you pointed out, but Google didn't pop up any images from the Latin
Name, just a bunch of dreary articles. ;) From what you've read/know, is this a predatory
starfish that needs to be pulled from my reef tank?

Marc

Boomer wrote:

Marc
I have a what you would all an exact photo of what you have posted. page 79;

Echinoderms of Florida and the Caribbean: Sea Stars, Sea Urchins and Allies, by
Hendler

Yours doesn't look like a Linckia at all but a close relative_Ophidiaster guildingii_.

Here is some info on the two species

http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/fieldcourses03/OutlinemarineecologyArticles/Starfish.First
submission.html

There are now images of this star on the net

Linckia have a granular to circular look to them on the top of the arms, where as
yours
seems to be made of more square like depressions, in set uniform rows, which is that
of
Ophidiaster. This star also has many color variants like Linck' and is often mis ID as
a
Linck'

Linck's
http://www.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Seastars&slide=165.jpg
http://www.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Seastars&slide=166.jpg
http://www.oceanicventures.com/news/photos/Linckia_laevigata.jpg

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Marc Levenson

December 21st 03, 09:51 PM

Mine hasn't moved much in weeks now. I'd say it is looking at tad shrunken, but
my view is really obscurred. I guess it may just wither away if it doesn't
travel seeking food. :(

Marc

Boomer wrote:

> It appears Marc to have the same food habits as Linckia, meaning they are both
> ciliary feeders and ingest the film of microorganisms adhering to hard
> surfaces. It is reported they will also feed on carrion. It is reported they
> **may** fed on sponges. You should be Ok. Just so you know, there are no green
> varieties mentioned in my books. However, the pic I have has a slight green
> tinge to it in the "squares". Also, just so you know, sometimes a species will
> have to names, such as Linckia guildingii and Ophidiaster guildingii.....**NOT
> here, these are two different species**, a rare case you see this. Usually
> they are the same species and one is a re-naming do to some mistake years ago
> during classification. I do have other images of Ophidiaster guildingii but
> none that depict the image you posted, which is just like the one in Hendler
> and Miller
> --
> Boomer Want to talk chemistry ? The Reef Chemistry Forum
> http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/index.php Want to See More ?
> Please Join Our Growing Membership
> www.coralrealm.com If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up
>
> "Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
> Boomer, I thought it
> wasn't the typical *look* of a Linkia, but that is how it was
> labeled on several display tanks at this LFS. I even told him I'd
> never heard of a Green Linkia.....
>
> So I read the link you pointed out, but Google didn't pop up any
> images from the Latin Name, just a bunch of dreary articles. ;)
> From what you've read/know, is this a predatory starfish that needs
> to be pulled from my reef tank?
>
> Marc
>
>
> Boomer wrote:
>
> > Marc
> >
> > I have a what you would all an exact photo of what you have
> > posted. page 79;
> >
> > Echinoderms of Florida and the Caribbean: Sea Stars, Sea Urchins
> > and Allies, by Hendler
> >
> > Yours doesn't look like a Linckia at all but a close
> > relative_Ophidiaster guildingii_.
> >
> > Here is some info on the two species
> >
> > http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/fiel
> > courses03/OutlinemarineecologyArticles/Starfish.First
> > submission.html
> >
> > There are now images of this star on the net
> >
> > Linckia have a granular to circular look to them on the top of the
> > arms, where as yours
> > seems to be made of more square like depressions, in set uniform
> > rows, which is that of
> > Ophidiaster. This star also has many color variants like Linck'
> > and is often mis ID as a
> > Linck'
> >
> > Linck's
> > http://
> > ww.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Seastars&slide=165.jpg
> >
> > http://www.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Seastars&slide=166.jpg
> >
> > http://www.oceanicventures.com/news/photos/Linckia_laevigata.jpg
> >
> > --
> > Boomer
> >
> > Want to talk chemistry ? The Reef Chemistry Forum
> > http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/index.php
> >
>
> --
> Personal Page:
> http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
> Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
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>
>
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Boomer

December 22nd 03, 01:09 AM

These starfish and Linck's are very difficult to keep in captivity and often just parish

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"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message ...
Mine hasn't moved much in weeks now. I'd say it is looking at tad shrunken, but my view
is really obscurred. I guess it may just wither away if it doesn't travel seeking food.
:(

Marc

Boomer wrote:

It appears Marc to have the same food habits as Linckia, meaning they are both ciliary
feeders and ingest the film of microorganisms adhering to hard surfaces. It is reported
they will also feed on carrion. It is reported they **may** fed on sponges. You should be
Ok. Just so you know, there are no green varieties mentioned in my books. However, the pic
I have has a slight green tinge to it in the "squares". Also, just so you know, sometimes
a species will have to names, such as Linckia guildingii and Ophidiaster
guildingii.....**NOT here, these are two different species**, a rare case you see this.
Usually they are the same species and one is a re-naming do to some mistake years ago
during classification. I do have other images of Ophidiaster guildingii but none that
depict the image you posted, which is just like the one in Hendler and Miller
--
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"Marc Levenson" > wrote in message
Boomer, I thought it wasn't the typical *look*
of a Linkia, but that is how it was labeled on several display tanks at this LFS. I even
told him I'd never heard of a Green Linkia.....
So I read the link you pointed out, but Google didn't pop up any images from the
Latin Name, just a bunch of dreary articles. ;) From what you've read/know, is this a
predatory starfish that needs to be pulled from my reef tank?

Marc

Boomer wrote:

Marc
I have a what you would all an exact photo of what you have posted. page 79;

Echinoderms of Florida and the Caribbean: Sea Stars, Sea Urchins and Allies, by
Hendler

Yours doesn't look like a Linckia at all but a close relative_Ophidiaster
guildingii_.

Here is some info on the two species

http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/fieldcourses03/OutlinemarineecologyArticles/Starfish.First
submission.html

There are now images of this star on the net

Linckia have a granular to circular look to them on the top of the arms, where as
yours
seems to be made of more square like depressions, in set uniform rows, which is
that of
Ophidiaster. This star also has many color variants like Linck' and is often mis
ID as a
Linck'

Linck's
http://www.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Seastars&slide=165.jpg
http://www.reefimages.com/cgi-reefimages/page.cgi?list=Seastars&slide=166.jpg
http://www.oceanicventures.com/news/photos/Linckia_laevigata.jpg

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