ID Please

[hadams356]

I have about a dozen of these that has just shown up. Haven't added anything new to tank in 6 months or more.

I do have 1 sand sifter starfish.

Good or bad?

Thanks

 

[fishguy242]

HI,asterina starfish, imo bad, manual removal will keep #'s in check.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Asterina (technically Aquilonastra) starfish. They reproduce crazy fast, and some of them may or may not eat coral when their numbers get too high (though there is some evidence to suggest that at least some species of Asterina may actually be beneficial to coral). Some people toss them, some people like them- really just a personal preference thing.

If their numbers get too out of hand, you can remove some or get a Harlequin Shrimp or two and they’ll take care of them for you (you’d need to pull your sand sifter out for it’s own safety in the meantime though).