Questions on small star fish

[seldin]

I received a couple of tiny mini star fish that was told most that the maximum size they get to are almost the size of a nickel, but that is not often.

After I received them, in a few days many of them seemed to be split in half. It does seem that their limbs are growing back fast.

I was told that these mini star fish are reef safe. I can see that all they do is hang on the glass. I have had them for couple of weeks.

My parms are excellent. Salt 1.025, PH 8.3, nitrate 0, calcium 420.

I have a 55 gallon reef, with 2 damsels, 1 maroon clown, diamond back goby, 3 emarald crabs and a cleaner shrimp. Plus I have a good selection of natural cephopods, etc, and a sump.

I feed my fish frozen fish a couple of times a week and dried fish food. A good variety of food.

I was thinking that my maroon clown may have not liked them at first. However, they do seem to getting their limbs back.

So my question is, did one of the above make them a snack. What are the predators of tine star fish. They are maybe 1/16 inch long.

Do they possibly reproduce by splitting.

Can 1 star split apart and make 2 stars.

Any ideas what kind of star fish they are. It would be great to give you a picture, but I can't get a good shot from my camera.

Thank you,

 

[reefnetworth]

sounds like Asterina Stars to me. get as many as you can out immeadiatly, they are NOT reef safe. in a matter of months they will be in the hundreds if not more.

 

[seldin]

Reefnetworth,

Now you got me scared. My web cam is not setup for the left edge of my tank, however, here is 2 pictures. Are these Asteria stars? Can you fill me in on these stars:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24168706@N06/2727274909/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24168706@N06/2727274905/

Thank you,

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

no need to overreact about Asterina. The vast majority of them are algae detritus eaters. Search up more info on Asterina and read:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/ac/feature/index.php

 

[BuddhaKiss]

Definitely asterinas. Some say pest, others say harmless. I remove them whenever I see them just in case, other than that, I'm not really gungho about trying to erradicate them

 

[o0xerog0o]

I've got some, I don't worry about them... Mine only stick to the algae, but if you see yours starting to hang out on your corals, pluck em and flush em.

 

[seldin]

Guys,.

Thank you for the info.

How about reproducing. Are they reproducing when they are dividing or are they being eaten?

Thank you,

 

[ed4]

These seem to reproduce by fission. Every once in a while, one will split in 1/2 and the new fragments will grow into complete stars.

I agree with Gary, no need to freak out. Most I've seen are herbivores and detrivores. To some, these can be a nuisance due to the rate these little guys reproduce.

I've been plucking them out if I casually come across them in my tank.

 

[seldin]

Ed,

Aaaahhhhh. I thought maybe one or more of my fish where trying to eat them. But, splitting is how they reproduce.

Okay.

Thank you,

- Larry


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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13084961#post13084961 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ed4
These seem to reproduce by fission. Every once in a while, one will split in 1/2 and the new fragments will grow into complete stars.

I agree with Gary, no need to freak out. Most I've seen are herbivores and detrivores. To some, these can be a nuisance due to the rate these little guys reproduce.

I've been plucking them out if I casually come across them in my tank.

 

[ed4]

Your fish may try to taste these, but regardless, will split on its own, so the answer is yes