asterina starfish

[trentula77]

I've seen about 10 asterina stars in my tank....I've done a little research on them and there seems to be opposing opinions about them. Some say they aren't reef safe while others say they are harmless algae eaters, one guy even sells his, 6 for $5, he recommends them for refugiums. On GARF's website they have pics of some asterinas and they say all asterinas they've seen aren't reef safe, they use harlequin shrimp to eradicate them from their systems.
I've noticed asterinas in my tank for about a year and I've never seen one prey on coral. However mine look a little different than the ones on GARF's website. Mine are mostly white with grey specs on them. Here's a couple of pics.
I'd like to hear your opinions about them. Thanks!

 

[grenaria]

You're right on the money from what I've read. If you see them on corals, they're not reef safe. Otherwise the majority of them in our tanks are herbivores. I have tons of them in my tanks and have never seen one on a coral.

 

[aztbs]

I added some to my tank. I like to see them in the refugium. They have never harmed anything, I have never seen them on a coral.

 

[NeilPearson]

Mine have never touched a coral either

 

[ADA33]

I have alot of them and so far have not touched any coral

 

[random_ryan]

I have some too and none of mine have never touched a coral

 

[psimitry]

The prevailing opinion I've heard about them is that technically they're not reef safe, but they're pretty much incapable of causing any significant damage.

The other problem I've heard is that the only way to effectively get rid of them is a harlequin shrimp which can go through about 200# of LR's population in a week and you're left with a starving shrimp.

 

[Frizz]

I would like to know what that gorgeous blue thing is behind the starfish!
Frizz

 

[psimitry]

Looks like a branching frogspawn under some sort of blue lighting (moonlights or actinic light).

 

[trentula77]

Thanks everyone for your inputs....it gives me peace of mind to know that the rest of you haven't had any problems.

Frizz- psimitry is right, it is a green branching frogspawn w/purple tips under moonlights. It just split into a second polyp.

 

[Frizz]

Thanx!
Frizz

 

[dream54ing]

bump for jc

 

[bambam918]

I have seen some on my corals but I dont think that makes them a danger. More than likely they are just cleaning what ever has fallen on the coral. Mine have not died or suffered from the asterina stars being on them. I say keep them! no threat

 

[gojk]

Mine each all of my coralline algae. Other than that I have no problem with them.

 

[jimlundborg]

I think I have hundreds of them, or so it seems. I've never noticed then causing any damage except for what gojk mentioned, the do seem to eat the coralline algae

 

[Kobashi]

Too funny Francis! I've been trying to instill in her to get multiple opinions. I don't know this from 1st hand knowledge, but I always erred on the side of cautiousness because I like zoas.

 

[rompininphx]

I've had some that ate zoas. If you add them to the refugium you'll have them in the dt in no time

 

[GustavoAZ]

Some of my larger ones actually have coraline growing on them. They appear to only eat coraline and film algae, I do see them on coral frags but they are always going after the base of it, like a tooth brush getting the spaces in between. Multiply very easily, selling them is kinda silly, they usualy hitchhike in to everyones tank at some time. O' and they go after nori too.

 

[FishBo]

Some of my larger ones actually have coraline growing on them. They appear to only eat coraline and film algae, I do see them on coral frags but they are always going after the base of it, like a tooth brush getting the spaces in between. Multiple very easily, selling them is kinda silly, they usualy hitchhike in to everyones tank at some time. O' and they go after nori too.

+1. I have hundreds & I watched these little guys for awhile, mainly on Zoas. They will clean the base & I have even seen some cover an entire polyp, only to keep going & the polyp opens right back up.

 

[Sammibaz]

We love ours! Anywhere from 2 to 10 legs (uh, huh! I counted them myself)...what's not to love about another reason to teach my kids everyone is unique!

I've had them for years with no harm. Turn the lights and water flow off overnight, they will ALL be within the top inch of your water line....you'll be surprised how many more you likely have. (*just kidding...don't try this at home! It was just one interesting observation when I was in between transferring everything to a larger tank...the power stayed off for a few hours one night...the morning was a stunning show of about 300!)