Hitchhiker ID Starfish-like critter

[Bax]

I have recently seen several of these small grey to light grey starfish-like critters. For the most part they stay hidden during the day emerging mid to late afternoon. They generally stay on the low side or shaded areas of rock features. However I saw one climbing the rear glass mid day so ... I dunno?

They are small, 3/8" or so across 1/2" tops.

They appear to graze alga including coraline alga.

I have counted seven fingers & six fingers. They seem radially symmetrical but not perfectly so.

They are distinct individuals in terms of shape and color pattern. I can recognize several as the same individual and just yesterday saw a particularly light colored individual for the first time.

Currently I count their number as about eight. That's what scares the c@#p out of me. If I see eight or so, am I being overrun by something?

Sorry for the small pic. I zoomed and enhanced a version of this photo and it was perfect but would not upload properly so here the best shot I have...

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Asterina sp. Harmless grazer.

 

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6497518#post6497518 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sugar Magnolia
Asterina sp. Harmless grazer.

Agreed

 

[Bax]

Cool!

Thanks!!!!

 

[Paintbug]

they will multiply in the tank. they mulitply by splitting. you will see complete ones and ones that look like they are just a leg. cool little creatures. and it looks like you have blue ones? i have only seen 1 other person with them. mine are all white. a few people have report asterinas to attack SPS corals so if you have any keep any eye on them.

 

[Bax]

See, now that's what I am worried about!

I'll have to do some research, but I wasn't even certain they were a starfish or what, I was pretty sure they weren't flat worms ... any way I'll keep a close watch on them.

 

[Paintbug]

well if you worry it much and feel you dont want them send them to me!! i would really like the blue ones.

 

[scrmbld33]

ill take some blues ones 2, you should be fine

 

[Bax]

LOL ... well I am not that worried yet

 

[jasper24]

I have both white and blue/gray ones. The white ones are always on the glass. The blue ones are always on LR and sometimes on my corals. I remove the blue ones when I find them. I am not saying that they are harming my corals but more than once they have been on my zoanthids or lps. I am not willing to risk it.

 

[MyMonkey]

You may want to contact Melev or look on his site: Melevsreef.com He had a problem with the Blue asterina as you show in your picture. If I recall correctly they eat some SPS corals. I would at least check into that. I am not positive but I remember reading some negative info on the blue ones. Good luck.