Worrying Over Brittle!

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by kcbrad, Nov 13, 2009.

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  1. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    Okay, I know I've read the answers to questions about brittle stars a million times, but I just need to ask one more time, because I'm a huge worry wart and I am currently worrying...

    About a week ago I got a highfin perchlet (Spike) and he is super tiny. He's 1/2 an inch, maybe. His favorite hang out is right next to the spot where one of my brittle star fish keeps home in some live rock. I have to spot feed Spike, and last night when the food was down on the sand out came this big ol' brittle star to grab some of the mysis. It was pretty cool, and gross, at the same time! I'm not a huge fan of brittles...

    Anyway, that made me freak out that sometime when Spike is hanging out down there (that's also where he sleeps) that this brittle will smell meat and grab Spike. The brittle's legs are about two inches long.

    Anyway, if someone could ease my fears, that would be greatly appreciated! And if you have bad news, lemme know that too.

    Thanks!
     
    kcbrad, Nov 13, 2009
    kcbrad, Nov 13, 2009
    #1

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  2. inwall75

    inwall75 Giant Squid

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    You are actually correct to be concerned. Make sure you keep that brittle well fed.
     
    inwall75, Nov 13, 2009
    inwall75, Nov 13, 2009
    #2
    1 person likes this.
  3. anpgp

    anpgp Dragon Wrasse

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    Yeah, if you keep it well fed, then there shouldn't be any problem with it going after your fish. Just keep an eye on it.
     
    anpgp, Nov 13, 2009
    anpgp, Nov 13, 2009
    #3
  4. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    That's what I'm worrying about!!

    How do I make sure it's well fed?
     
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2009
    kcbrad, Nov 13, 2009
    kcbrad, Nov 13, 2009
    #4
  5. anpgp

    anpgp Dragon Wrasse

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    You can spot feed its legs when you see them sticking out. I do it to mine occasionally. Just put the food right next to the leg and they should go after it.
     
    anpgp, Nov 13, 2009
    anpgp, Nov 13, 2009
    #5
  6. pgoodsell

    pgoodsell Horrid Stonefish

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    Yup. even though most don't hunt fish, they are opportunistic feeders, and if it gets lucky and grabs your fish, they will eat it. like Inwall said, keep it well fed and it should be happy just chilling under the rock.
     
    pgoodsell, Nov 13, 2009
    pgoodsell, Nov 13, 2009
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  7. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    Oh, so creepy!! It's like a monster, lol.

    Okay, I'll try to spot feed him when I see his legs sticking out. I've never fed him before, and he's been in there for over 2 months, so I assume he's getting enough. But I've cut down on my feeding, so he might be hungry.

    But ooooh, when I saw those legs coming out near Spike I about lost it! lol

    Thanks a lot!!
     
    kcbrad, Nov 13, 2009
    kcbrad, Nov 13, 2009
    #7
  8. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

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    I wish I could, but brittles can and do take fish if given the opportunity and hungry enough.
    FWIW, I wouldn't want one in my community reef ;)
     
    PackLeader, Nov 13, 2009
    PackLeader, Nov 13, 2009
    #8
  9. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    Well, dangit! I have two (that I know of). They totally creep me out. How can I get rid of them (without killing)? I'm not into killing.
     
    kcbrad, Nov 13, 2009
    kcbrad, Nov 13, 2009
    #9
  10. bama

    bama Humpback Whale

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    take it to the lfs for credit..
     
    bama, Nov 13, 2009
    bama, Nov 13, 2009
    #10
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