Asterina Star fish annilation

[grannybj]

Can any one offer me any advise on how to control an infestation of Asterina Stars? I fear they are getting close to plaque numbers. I worry that they will stop up my pump. I am due to do a water change tomorrow night and I plan to try to suck up all I can in the siphon during the water change but I am sure I can't get them all . So how 'bout it folks..what can I do ? They were cute and interesting when I had A COUPLE but now I am on the edge of freaking out....
BJ

 

[MrRyanT]

A Harlequin(sp?) shrimp would probably get rid of them pretty quick. They feed exclusively on starfish.

 

[joeycadre]

i had them like crazy in my 90. got a harlequin and within 3 months they were down to nothing. the shrimp just kept enough around to stay full.

the poor guy died though during the tear down of my tank, he got sucked into the closed loop. grrrrrrrrr.

 

[zebrafish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13690664#post13690664 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MrRyanT
A Harlequin(sp?) shrimp would probably get rid of them pretty quick.

I tried one but he disappeared, so I dont know if someone bigger got him or died of natural causes. I try to suck them out druing water changes.

 

[grannybj]

I knew about the shrimp trick but I got this BIG bully of a Christmas Wrassse so I figure before the shrinp can eat one star, the Wrasse will eat the shrimp....if I can catch the Wrasse he will be up for grabs...I will let you guys know.

 

[DaKineReef]

send the stars my way. I have a pair I need to feed.

Ike