brittle star vs. serpant star

[kpatrick]

I was thinking about adding one of these star fish to my tank but I really wasnt sure what the difference is in the two. Which one is the hardiest? will they eat my fish, crabs, snails?? I have a choc chip star but he has to go since im starting to add some coral to the tank and I was looking for a good replacement for him. any ideas??
thanks

 

[Boogiechillin]

The distinction between brittle vs serpent stars is a totally arbitrary thing that we've made up in the hobby - there is no scientific difference between the two. Brittle stars look just like serpents, but their legs appear to have longer bristles, whereas a serpent star has comparatively smooth legs. Behavior-wise, serpents are less prone to hunting other tank organisms that brittles, but both need to be kept well-fed to be completely safe. To be honest, brittle stars are a bit overhyped in terms of their threat...most brittle species won't bother much. The only notoriously bad brittle species IMO is the green brittlestar.