Months back I noticed a cute mini starfish with misshaped arms. I did some research and identified them as Asterina starfish. I've read mixed reviews that they are harmless but I'm no so sure. Their population has exploded in my tank and when they attach to the zoanthids they close up. I haven't noticed them eating any but I'd rather not have them in there. Should I add a harlequin shrimp or some other natural predator or just let them be?
Asterina Outbreak!
- Thread starter sharky71
- Start date
RonMidtownStomp
You can edit this?
I'm 100% sure that mine eat zoas. I've been picking them out for weeks by the 100 and they're less aggressive towards the zoas now that there are fewer of them. I'd expect my Niger trigger would eat a shrimp in about 5 seconds. I'd love to be able to get one, though.. I'm still considering trying it anyway.
Shard
Member
I think you mean the wrasse will eat the Harlequin? Correct? I think the OP has mis-understood your post, and thinks the Harlequin Shrimp will eat the wrasse.
I have my harlequin shrimp in a 12G Aquapod with a 6-line Wrasse, and they are find together. It really depends on the wrasse species, and the size, as to whether they will eat a Harlequin Shrimp or not.
Friday Night
New member
Dont trust them never have never will.
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3728+12038&pcatid=12038
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3728+12038&pcatid=12038
Shard
Member
Why don't you trust them? I have never had a problem in years. There diet is only starfish. I guess if you have a prized linckia starfish or something then it would be a problem. As long as you understand they eat starfish, your good.
Shard
Member
If it is a big starfish like a large chocolate star, a Harlequin, or pair of them, could eat on it for a few weeks.
I usually fed my pair 1 leg of a chocolate starfish a week. I now only have the female left. When I don't have, or can't get a chocolate at the LFS I feed her asterina stars from two of my other tanks, usually throwing 3-6 into the 12G tank with her every day or two.
In nature, they hold the starfish upside down while they eat it alive. Also, I think sometimes they feed it, to keep it alive while they are eating it.
I usually fed my pair 1 leg of a chocolate starfish a week. I now only have the female left. When I don't have, or can't get a chocolate at the LFS I feed her asterina stars from two of my other tanks, usually throwing 3-6 into the 12G tank with her every day or two.
In nature, they hold the starfish upside down while they eat it alive. Also, I think sometimes they feed it, to keep it alive while they are eating it.
karnivorous
New member
yeah, the harlequin will do them in. i think that ive read that the bumble bee shrimp will eat tehm to, and they i think may accept regualr food as well with some work
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