Do astrea star fish eat zoa.

m88a2 · Jan 29, 2014

So I've only had a few zoas but have never notices any problem with them. Recently I had notice 2 baby CAR babies that we're growing. Last night I saw an astrea star on top of one of the babies but thought nothing of it. This afternoon it was still there so I blew it off and the baby polyp was gone. Any ideas?

Bubbles_B · Jan 29, 2014

I believe from my experience that they do irritate zoas. Maybe someone can chime in...

TriggerThis · Jan 29, 2014

Mine only show up on zoas that are already melting or on their way out. They feed on the death in most cases

redfishbluefish · Jan 29, 2014

I say this with ignorance, but I've been told that the dark ones are the bad ones....they eat coral. I only have white ones.....since 2008....and a tank full of them....hundreds....and no problem with any corals.....including zoas.

Jlobes · Jan 29, 2014

i dont trust them. I remove many from the tank, and see them come off of corals(zoas), I am dipping for treatment.

Eienna · Jan 29, 2014

Just from the general consensus on this forum (there's really not much info on it out there), the totally white ones seem to eat only coralline and other algae, whereas the ones with color on them are coral-eaters.

And by astrea, I think you mean asterina.

Jlobes · Jan 29, 2014

Eienna said:
And by astrea, I think you mean asterina.

beat me to it. i missed it in the title, and then noticed it after.

m88a2 · Jan 29, 2014

Eienna said:
Just from the general consensus on this forum (there's really not much info on it out there), the totally white ones seem to eat only coralline and other algae, whereas the ones with color on them are coral-eaters.

And by astrea, I think you mean asterina.

Ya that's what I ment. I don't a think the polyp i suspect was eaten was on its way out. It was opened nicely during the day and had been growing since i noticed it....I suppose if I see any others disappear I might have to take action