Hey, I have a black brittle star who came in on some live rock and a pearly jawfish I just got today from a friend who was getting rid of him today, (had to act fast). the star is probably about 4 or inches arm to arm, will there be a problem b/w the fish and star? If the star is going to be a problem, I can take him to my lfs tomorrow, but what should I do for tonight?? Any help is greatly greatly appreciated!!!
Lily

I see no problem, I've never heard of a brittle star snacking on a jawfish

alright thanks!

Ya no problem they should be fine.

Brittle stars have been known to eat fish. Mine eats the weak, then again mine is like a foot across.

If it has spikes on its arms then its a fish eater. If not its a detritus eater which can include weak/dead/near dead fish. If it has spikes take it to your LFS.

I am pretty sure black brittle starfish are not reef-safe... there ARE reef safe brittles but I wouldn't take a chance with a black one. When Kraylen was still around here, he had a black brittle star to take care of "the slow, weak fish".

I live by the rule if you worry put it in a breeder cup or a plastic container with holes in it until the LFS opens. If you think it will not be a pest leave it.

Ive had a black brittle star hitchhiker comparable in size for about 2 yrs or so and he has never done any harm. He just hangs out and goes crazy chasing food around when i feed the tank. pretty fun to watch them catch food and feed themselves. Mine also grazes through detritus for left over chunks of food. Overall I 'd say you got a great hitchiker and beneificial tank member

Is there a lid on your tank for the pearl jawfish?

yep, no jumping allowed

Brittle stars tend to sneak up on fish that sleep in caves at night. They sneak in and drop down from above. This is how my first pygmy angelfish met its demise.

I would think, since your jawfish tunnels into the substrate and doesn't sleep somewhere in the LR, it wouldn't be a problem. And 4" isn't very large. Make sure you feed the star and keep up with the water quality, otherwise its legs will start deteriorating.

trade in the brittle for a herlequin serpent or a sandsifter.... Just my 2

Serpent +1

But, sand-sifting seastars have specific diets of basically everything that makes your sand "live" so yes they will live for a while, but eventually will starve unless you have a huge tank with a giant sandbed.