Zoa eating Asternia

[dr_frnkblck]

Does anyone know if asternia stars that feed on zoas are potentially toxic?

 

[leveldrummer]

Im not familiar with any star that specifically targets and eats only zoanthids, but palytoxin is potent and dangerous, if something is eating zoas, it would be wise to assume they have some of the toxins within them.

 

[Calappidae]

Im not familiar with any star that specifically targets and eats only zoanthids, but palytoxin is potent and dangerous, if something is eating zoas, it would be wise to assume they have some of the toxins within them.

Indeed, often the toxins remain in the animal until completely dijested. This isn't entirely true in most species but who knows, either way you're not eating the star so what can it hurt.

Asterinas are a hit or miss with being reef safe or not.. zoanthids are on the dinner menu to my knowledge for those that prefer a much pricier meal!

And then there's the fact these breed like rabbits.. best to nip them before you can't keep up with them.

 

[dr_frnkblck]

Indeed, often the toxins remain in the animal until completely dijested. This isn't entirely true in most species but who knows, either way you're not eating the star so what can it hurt.

Asterinas are a hit or miss with being reef safe or not.. zoanthids are on the dinner menu to my knowledge for those that prefer a much pricier meal!

And then there's the fact these breed like rabbits.. best to nip them before you can't keep up with them.

I've always liked seeing them in the tank. Neat little unobtrusive critters...or so i thought! I cant' be sure they are the culprit but better safe than sorry.

I noticed my fire and ice zoa colony didn't have quite the same density to it as it has in the past. A couple of days ago there was dime sized asterina cruising through them. I pulled him out and threw in the trash. The next day i found another! I tweezed him off the colony and then dropped him on the floor on the way to the garbage. He is nowhere to be found.

My next thought was the cat finding it and eating it.

 

[snorvich]

Harlequin shrimp will eat them but run out of them eventually.