Serpent Star Went on a Killing Spree (1 Viewer)

[mjoener]

Ok I think it only killed one thing.
I bought a Orange Spot Goby Earlier this week.
It was doing ok acting kinda wierd, hanging out by the top of the tank all day. But when the Lights went off he mellowed out and went to the substrate. he did not make a burrow or anything but was hiding by some LR. When I woke up the next morning he was no where to be found.
I located a small pile of white mashed up tissue and what looked like to be a backbone...
The only other thing I have in the tank are a pair of clowns and a Starry Blenny.
Is it safe to assume that the Red Serpent Star ate my little bundle of joy?
If so, could this happen to other bottom dwellers?

 

[David Grigor]

Likely it was scavenged.

 

[mjoener]

Likely it was scavenged.

I thought that that was a possibility, but was unsure as the fish lived for the first night in a seperator and was doing well.
What do you think would have killed it?
It looked healthy as a horse. It was just kinda small, like barely 2"

 

[hammer7869]

I'm positive that my serpent star eats/kills other inhabitants of my tank. I have had a flame angel, fire shrimp, emerald crab, and 4 peppermint shrimp disappear with no trace.

 

[wolmutt]

I agree with David. In my 120 I kept over 10 brittle and serpent stars. Never had a problem. They eat fish once they are dead.

 

[acharpenter]

I have had a brittle for about 3-4 months now with no issues. The peppermints hang out right next to him and sometimes try to steal his food so if Mr.Brittle wanted the shrimp - he could have easily nabbed them already

 

[cj_doede]

The Red Serpent Starfish is a tremendous scavenger that makes a great addition to any tank. They are most sought after for their stunning red color. These starfish are nocturnal and like to spend the day hiding in rockwork. Often times, they will keep their body buried while extending out their arms to sense for food. During the night they will come out of the rockwork to search for food; occassionally, they will crawl up onto the rockwork and completely spread out their body. They are tremendous scavengers and will feed on waste in an aquarium. They should also be fed regularly. Red Serpents prefer lots of rockwork to hide in. While more than one can be kept in each aquarium, these starfish can be rather large and will compete for food. They do a superb job of controlling excess waste in your aquarium. These Starfish are very sensitive to any change in water conditions.
Starfish are intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerability to changes in water chemistry. It should never be exposed to air while handling.
http://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_1...ategory=4&category_search=63&root_parent_id=4

 

[mrbill]

I have some fish that I have seen sleeping under the arms of my serpent star. Never lost one.

 

[mjoener]

I have some fish that I have seen sleeping under the arms of my serpent star. Never lost one.

Really?! That is awesome. So I guess I'll chalk this up to death first then eaten after...
Thanks everyone!