White starfish ID

[squishifishi]

Hey, i found this small starfish in my tank, and I would like an I'd for it. I first assumed asterinia, but now I think not. It is a bit big for that, but the main difference it that it is a perfectly shaped five sided star. It is exactly symmetrical and uniform whereas Asterinias are always lopsided with
7 legs. Very uneven and strange looking IMO. I saw a bigger starfish for sale once that looked just like this but I have forgotten the name. Any ideas? Oh, and it is always on the glass, never the rock or coral. It's back is a little bit grey.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Not all asterinas are lopsided. You've got an asterina.

 

[cloak]

Asterina. :thumbdown

 

[Lambert58]

^this^

 

[Reefer54]

asterina

and flat worms?

 

[squishifishi]

oh yeah, the flatworms are a harmless type. they eat copepods though...
i thoughtastrinas had six legs though? eh whatever. should i keep it or destroy it

 

[squishifishi]

what should i do wit it?

 

[Reefer54]

They are great little detrivores, but can go after coral, often brought in on the bottom side of corals from LFS, online, wherever. Keep an eye on the population, they tend to not be too problematic, but can get out of control......harlequin shrimp

 

[Reefer54]

or remove and give/sell them

 

[Dmorty217]

I would remove before they become a problem

 

[rssjsb]

I have an "innocent til proven guilty" philosophy. I've had these things in reef tanks with no issue for many years, so my advice is to just keep an eye on it and remove it if necessary. Your tank is small enough that I think you can figure out if it's causing a problem.

 

[squishifishi]

ill just keep it for now. he's so cute, always sitting on my front glass. i think its really interesting to watch them move too. if it multiplies into thousands f starfish and they go crazy, the tank is small enough i could find the majoirty and sell them to my lfs as harlequin popcorn
those guys will trade for most any thing.