Is this a starfish?

[CarolineJ]

I just got 10 hermit crabs with multiple extra shells and a Trochus snail and noticed this guy. Is that a starfish? Possibly was hiding in a shell or something...

 

[JGT]

Yes, Asterina.

 

[epic56]

I just got 10 hermit crabs with multiple extra shells and a Trochus snail and noticed this guy. Is that a starfish? Possibly was hiding in a shell or something...

Asterina starfish. Take over the tank scoop them out or get yourself a harlequin shrimp if they get way out of control.

 

[CarolineJ]

Thanks! I'll have to do my research on them as he's an unexpected guest. This sure is fascinating to see everything coming alive (I'm new to saltwater/reef aquariums and my tank is only 2 weeks old)

 

[epic56]

Asterina starfish. Take over the tank scoop them out or get yourself a harlequin shrimp if they get way out of control.

They ate my zoas and mushrooms when I first started I thought they were cool… my mistake. Lol

 

[CarolineJ]

Oh no! I kind of thought he was cool when I first noticed him, but I plan on getting zoas in the near future. I better scoop him out

 

[ScottJ]

I have them. They don't seem to bother anything. Hut pull it if it makes you feel better.

 

[moretor1]

Be careful if you plan on buying a harlequin shrimp.

They solely eat the sucker feet of starfish and can demolish a full blown asternia infestation in a week.

If you plan on buying one you should be prepared to feed it live starfish or buy a few chocolate chip stars and rotate cutting off a different leg every week to feed him.

One of the most expensive shrimp to own because of its diet. If you don't feed it properly it WILL die of malnutrition within a few months

 

[CarolineJ]

I have them. They don't seem to bother anything. Hut pull it if it makes you feel better.

Do you have zoas and they don't bother them?

 

[CarolineJ]

Be careful if you plan on buying a harlequin shrimp.

They solely eat the sucker feet of starfish and can demolish a full blown asternia infestation in a week.

If you plan on buying one you should be prepared to feed it live starfish or buy a few chocolate chip stars and rotate cutting off a different leg every week to feed him.

One of the most expensive shrimp to own because of its diet. If you don't feed it properly it WILL die of malnutrition within a few months

Shrimp creep me out lol. No plans on getting any at this time

 

[ScottJ]

Do you have zoas and they don't bother them?

Yes, I have zoas. No, they don't bother them of anything else. I think only a certain type eat zoas. You might want to read up on them.

 

[CarolineJ]

I just found an article about it. Thank you! Seems like it's rare to get the zoa eating type.

 

[ChrisPPolys]

Thanks! I'll have to do my research on them as he's an unexpected guest. This sure is fascinating to see everything coming alive (I'm new to saltwater/reef aquariums and my tank is only 2 weeks old)

In your research you will find lots of mixed opinions. There are 32 species of Asterina starfish. A lot of reefers like myself have kept Asterina for years without issue.

Some will tell you they have eaten Zoa’s.
Funny enough I recently saw Asterina at a LFS being sold for $25 a piece.

 

[CarolineJ]

Yes, I'm definitely finding mixed reviews! I think maybe I'll let him stay and see what happens.