Creepy Snake-Arm Brittle Leg Thing

[lashilia]

I have a giant green brittle in one of my tanks and something pinched off its leg about an inch from the disc. (I suspect a shrimp.) When I reached in to remove the leg, it curled around me and crawled off of my hand onto a bit of rock. It has since crawled around the tank like a snake and stood on its end to search for food. This is weird; it's been almost a week, and it's still acting like it is attached.

Okay, so will it turn into a new star or die slowly? Do I need to pitch it or what? It creeps me out.

Plus, if anyone knows anything about the biology of these guys (Stars, echinoderms, etc) I would love to read it. I only know how to care for them and how they get around. I would love diagrams and maybe the chemicals they employ to digest. Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

Nope, without a stomach it will slowly starve though your cleanup crew will take care of the remains.
Here's a crude chart of their anatomy.

Also do a google on Ophiuroidea you'll find all kinds of good info.

Here's a start:

http://www.palaeos.com/Invertebrates/Echinoderms/Ophiuroidea/Ophiuroidea.htm

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Mihai]

David, so you can never "frag" your stars, right? If one arm breaks the star may grow back another arm, but the arm will never turn into a star?

I'm asking because I remember that I read somewhere (Fenner and Calfo Reef Invertebrates?) that for the Asteroids it is possible but it is very unlikely in an aquarium...

Thanks,
M.

 

[Anonymous]

Linckias can do what you're talking about in nature (asexual reproduction without including a portion of the mouth), although I doubt it's very likely in an aquarium.

 

[lashilia]

Thanks guys! The image is great! I will check out these links right away!