What is this?

[Ranette]

Found this in my tank today and am wondering 1) what the hell is it? And 2) where did I get it. At first thought it might be a micro brittle star but think it's too "fat" and it also seems to have six "legs". Any suggestions? Don't want it (them) in my tank if they are harmful.

It is about 3/8 to 1/2 inch across its longest legs and about 1/4 inch wide. On the underside it seems to have a mouth.


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[54seaweed]

Looks like a baby serpent star , I have around 8 in my tank they are reef safe but do get big , depending on the size of your tank is the key if you can keep him or not 10g or smaller I would re-home him , my biggest is 24" and my smallest is 6" ,
I have a 90g tank
Here is a pict of one of my bigger ones legs reaching for food

they are fun to watch especially while feeding

 

[Ranette]

Was thinking maybe some sort of starfish as well but this one seems to have 6 legs. Is that common? Or don't all starfish only have five legs?


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[Ranette]

BTW. I currently have a 40g but am moving everything to a 125g in the next few months so size shouldn't be an issue.


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[54seaweed]

some have 5 some have 6 nothing to worry about in a 125 he will fit right in .
they also serve as a part of the CUC , I love when mine come out when friends are over freaks them out . I tell them it's a octopus