Brittle star hitchhikers. Reef safe?

[Alex7845]

Good morning
I collected this soft coral while snorkelling (Australia east coast). There are like 10 of those small sea stars
hanging on top of it
Probably 5-10 mm length all extended
What do you think ?
Are they safe?

many thanks for your opinions
Alex

 

[Mr_Knightley]

I would think so. Were they on the tissue of the coral? If they were, then try putting on of them in a small cup with a peice of the coral. If it looks to be consuming the coral, then it is a pest and should be removed. If it doesn't do anything to the coral, leave it there.
Good luck and God bless you!

 

[Alex7845]

Yep - they were on the tissue, i put it in a bucket overnight and the stars were hanging on top of it - i now cut a tiny piece of the coral and they seem to come on an off - hard to say if they are eating it but they dont seem agressively interested, maybe they were just using it as a shelter