Billions and Billions of Stars

In the last few months the mini brittle star population in my tank has exploded.  I might have thousands in my tank.  At night, they come out and there isn't a square cm of area without a star.  This is how many I gathered from a golf ball size hunk of cheato from my refugia (I know I didn't get all the stars out of the cheato, but I got most).

32oz cup lid for size comparison:

 

And this is a close up (I like the striped legs!):

 

I have no idea where the came from and I don't know why they have chosen now to start breeding/splitting...

would you like to trade?

Very cool!  John...I would like a few if possible.

Sounds like jon will have to hold a star gazing party one night, but instead of telescopes everyone brings tongs.

 You could say that the stars are the limit at Jon's house. Does he seem starry eyed? When you wish upon a star....

when is the best time to come over. I'm in pleasant grove. will you be around tomorrow[sunday]?

I've been plucking a few of those out of my filters lately. And I have no idea where they came from also.

Do you have any that grow to a decent size? Or, are they all tiny?

I have three large brittle stars that I've had for a couple years (diameter of a dinner plate), but I haven't seen a small one larger then about a silver dollar.  I'd say the average size is closer to between a nickel and quarter though.

Yeah I agree with Mark.  I think silver dollar - quarter size is full grown for these guys.

I think they have as much or more value in a reef tank than the full sized ones.  Being small, they can go in all the small holes and crevices to eat hidden detritus.  Being small, if a few die, they don't pollute the aquarium.  And being small and breeding, the young ones might be a good food souce for small predatory fish... maybe a hawkfish.