Asterina

[BubblesandSqueak]

Found my first Asterina today on the glass. Must have come in on a past coral. Is this a different type or is that just algae growth on it? Seastars don’t typically get growth on them do they? Moves fast for its 1/4” size.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Found my first Asterina today on the glass. Must have come in on a past coral. Is this a different type or is that just algae growth on it? Seastars don’t typically get growth on them do they? Moves fast for its 1/4” size.

That's an Aquilonastra starfish (known in the hobby as "Asterina" starfish) - that's not algae growing in it, it's just a different species in the genus, and that's its normal coloration.

 

[BubblesandSqueak]

That's an Aquilonastra starfish (known in the hobby as "Asterina" starfish) - that's not algae growing in it, it's just a different species in the genus, and that's its normal coloration.

so I should still pull it anyway before it eats zoas right? I have it in a specimen bottle right now.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

so I should still pull it anyway before it eats zoas right? I have it in a specimen bottle right now.

If you're concerned, then I'd pull it.

Some species seem to be fine, others not, and some seem fine with caution - we're just not entirely sure which species fall into which category.

 

[Pistondog]

We've had hundreds over the years. Mostly eating coralline. Some say the dark species bother corals.

 

[BubblesandSqueak]

We've had hundreds over the years. Mostly eating coralline. Some say the dark species bother corals.

thanks, why risk it then. He will stay out of the pool.

 

[JayM]

I had one mysteriously appear about 2 weeks ago with only 2 1/2 legs. I was gambling on it being safe, as it was always on the glass, but found it wrapped around a Zoa this morning, so out it went. Hopefully there's no more, but I'll definitely be paying close attention.

It must have hitchhiked in as a tiny spec and finally grown to a visible size as I haven't added any new rocks or coral in a couple of months.