Expert: Chester Mihalicz - 12/22/2007

Question
I just adopted a brittle star that is losing its legs.  Was at a local chain pet store and was missing 2 legs with the remainder on the body nothing and 1 leg with about 1 inch left on the body.  Once I got him home and into my quarentine tank I noticed that another leg had broken off about 1 inch from the body as well.  It is still fairly active and immediatly hid itself.  It was not treated very carefully at the store but, I am wondering if there are any symptoms to look for to determine if this is the result of infection vs. rough handling?  I think this creature deserves a chance.  I also noted that when he first arrived at the store he had small projections all over his body that looked like a spine ending in a small ball and those seem to have disappeared.  Could this be a symptom? Thanks for any light you can shed on this mystery.

Answer
Hello Natalie,

My first guess would be poor water conditions.  Here is a spec sheet I have copied from Marine Depot.  It is pretty general as to all the species.  In a general sum it up have had good success with my black brittle star and have heard bad things about the emerald brittle star.

The Brittle Star requires a completely cycled and stable aquarium. Has a reputation for eating fish, the Brittle Star can attack fish if underfed and unable to scavenge for food. Feed raw shrimp, scallop, clam, mussel and other meaty bits frequently. Will learn to take food right from your fingers. This Sea Star is an excellent detrivore and will do a good job at keeping any excess food and detritus from building up. Will also consume any dead fish that is lost in the rockwork. turnal that you may never see them in your system. In the world's reefs, they are everywhere. These starfish-like echinoderms are decidedly quicker and more delicate than asteroids. Their common name is derived from their sinuous, snake-like movements, and the fact that they're truly brittle and break away easily if they come under attack. The podia in this class are generally used as sensory organs, rather than for active feeding as with their kin, the asteroids. There are more than 2,000 described species worldwide, and they're found congregating throughout shallow reef environments, hiding under rocks and within and between other living organisms. Most Invertebrates require very long and slow drip acclimation process of at least 2 hours or more as they cannot adjust quickly to even small changes in pH, temperature, and alkalinity. Like all invertebrates, this species is intolerant of extreme nitrate levels (over 20) and cannot live in tanks that have had copper-based medications dispensed. Due to the sensitive nature of this animals stringent acclimation requirements and sensitivity to being properly acclimated, it is on the Restricted Species List.
Water parameters: Keep water quality high (SG 1.023 - 1.025, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Temp. 72 - 78° F).
Origin: The Brittle Sea Star (Assorted) is commonly collected from the Caribbean.

So given a stable tank, without hands going in and out all day like at the store, he may be alright if it is not too late.  One more note.  I believe most echoderms to be quite disease resistant.

I hope this helps and please feel free to contact me if needed for this or future questions.
Good luck
Chester