Friend or foe?

[scottbapilot]

The starfish in center of the picture, is it good or bad? Thank you

Scott

 

[Tahoe61]

It's on the glass, probably harmless algae grazer, Asterina Star. Population explosions of the starfish is a fairly common occurrence.

 

[KJ]

Asterina sp.
Microstar, Ministar

Suitability: Watch them!

Diet: Micro/film algae. Some varities rumored
to eat corals.

 

[jsker]

Foe, https://reefcorner.com/reef-database-index/hitchhiker-index/asterina-starfish/

 

[Elysium]

Asterina sp.
Microstar, Ministar

Suitability: Watch them!

Diet: Micro/film algae. Some varities rumored
to eat corals.

All tan or darker brown tend to be safe. I have ones with red coloration on the back and they love to eat zoas on occasion.

 

[cloak]

Until somebody can distinguish the good ones from the bad ones without a doubt, I'll continue to treat them all as bad.

 

[KJ]

All tan or darker brown tend to be safe. I have ones with red coloration on the back and they love to eat zoas on occasion.

The red coloration is bad ,the grey one is ok but keep it in check

 

[Tautog]

Harlequin shrimp will take care of all starfish .......aka sea stars

 

[jsker]

Harlequin shrimp will take care of all starfish .......aka sea stars

Trying to find mine now.