I was thinking of getting a serpent star, but my LFS says he can get some brittle stars. He also says that serpent stars are not as hardy as the brittle stars. Any thoughts on if I should get the brittle star or wait for a serpent star?
brittle star vs serpent stars
- Thread starter Damion123
- Start date
I've had no issues with my serpent star for years. I got some hich hiker brittle stars on a piece of live rock I added and at night I see little arms reaching out from just about every hole in my rocks. I've seen no issues with either, but for me the brittles reproduced like crazy if that means anything to you. Personally, I think the serpent looks nicer.
I had a serpent a while back and it did perfectly fine, until my emerald crab decided it would taste good.
Main difference between that and a brittle was activity - serpent would go all over the tank while my hitchhiker brittle stays in the same cave all day.
Main difference between that and a brittle was activity - serpent would go all over the tank while my hitchhiker brittle stays in the same cave all day.
Serpent stars are technically brittle stars. As for hardiness they are both equally hardy from what I know. I think it depends on size and what your personal preference is. My favorite pattern wise is the black and white banded but I love the spines on this species.
I did see my serpent more than the basic brittles. Rarely in high light times but when the lights would be low in the morning or evening.
I have some serpent stars and they come racing out of the rocks at feeding time. I got them in The Keys. You can legally collect them for yourself if you have a fishing license and aren’t in a protected area. Just get a mask & snorkel and flip over some rocks. Lots of color variation, so keep looking for one you like rather than grabbing the first one you see if it’s boring.
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