Tiny Starfish

[schnebbles]

My tank is cycling - a tiny starfish must have come on the rock. Will he probably die? Should I try to feed it anything? Can I move it to a qt tank (not set up)? I hate to lose it if I can save it.

 

[mcgyvr]

I wouldn't worry at all..
No need to feed it either..
Many things can make it through a cycle/ammonia..

 

[chrisfont23]

My tank is cycling - a tiny starfish must have come on the rock. Will he probably die? Should I try to feed it anything? Can I move it to a qt tank (not set up)? I hate to lose it if I can save it.

Pic? Brittle star or asterina likely. You will have plenty in time

 

[schnebbles]

hmm, it could be the asterina - it was out when the lights were blue (just saw a video that says they do that). So, it's a potential pest?

I can't find it now. It's brown and about 1/2" or smaller - not shaped like the brittle at all.

 

[MuShu]

If it has uneven legs, it's an asterina. Most are harmless clean up crew, and one type will eat coral.

 

[schnebbles]

yep, uneven.

 

[ericarenee]

I pluck a 50 or so of these out of my Refugium and Display tanks every Sunday. Some say they will eat corals.I think it may be true if there is not enough other food sources they would rather have. just do not let them over run your tank.....

 

[Sk8r]

One type is predatory on zoas, but most seem to eat coralline, and believe me, once coralline gets started you will not miss the itty bitty bit they eat.

 

[billdogg]

One type is predatory on zoas, but most seem to eat coralline, and believe me, once coralline gets started you will not miss the itty bitty bit they eat.

What Sk8r said - in fact, you will welcome them their snacks. Unless of course you like scraping the glass......