Is this a starfish?

[sherbertdipuk]

The whitish thing below the fish's mouth has gradually been getting bigger over the last two weeks. Just wondering if anyone can I'd it?

 

[meir]

Asterina starfish, personally the ones in my tank haven't bothered anyone, I think they eat my algae, but I'm not sure about yours. It could be ok, but I'd remove it in case it is one of the problematic species.

 

[Mike_J]

It's an asterina star.

 

[sherbertdipuk]

Is there any way to tell the species before I remove it? I will take it out if necessary, is their any benefit to watching and waiting?

 

[eleet]

Kill it with extreme prejudice. They can turn into a plague. Once they do, the definitely eat coral.

 

[sherbertdipuk]

Consider it gone then, thank you for the quick advice.

 

[ahiggins]

Kill it with extreme prejudice. They can turn into a plague. Once they do, the definitely eat coral.

didnt I read about your plague recently? Hows that going?
Yes, I agree. With no predation, they will just grow in numbers. While theres no "evidence" of asterina preying on zoas/corals, I have personally found them eating my zoas. IMO, get it out now before it breeds.

 

[sherbertdipuk]

It's gone, and it wasn't easy, I have several bristle worm wounds and my cleaner shrimp sits on my arm whenever I put it in the water[emoji23][emoji23].

 

[ahiggins]

NO! You didnt get stung...owwwww....thats my worst fear! I pulled out a 4 incher a few days ago and just using forceps it gives me the creepies.

 

[sherbertdipuk]

Can I just add this pic on here, what the heck is the creepy tentacle waving about?

 

[ahiggins]

could be a spaghetti worm. does it suck back into the rock or is it calcified? If calcified, it may be vermitid related.

 

[sherbertdipuk]

It sucks back in, do I have to try getting this out too!?

 

[ahiggins]

nah-I think its fine. Mind you, Ive never seen that before but @Lionfish Lair - any ideas? It sorta looks like the periscope of a zombie snail (nassarius)

 

[Lionfish Lair]

Does it seem to pick around on the rock? It wouldn't be a white peanut worm, would it?

 

[sherbertdipuk]

Yes it's picking round the rock. I did have a look on the hitch hikers guide but couldn't see anything similar.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

Here's a white one that I had one time. It's not a great photo though.

 

[sherbertdipuk]

It looks similar but mine seems a more solid white.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

I used a flash for that photo, so it shines through it a little. I'm really leaning towards it being a peanut, but I most definitely could be wrong. Does it hang out in that one area or have you seen it changing locations?

 

[sherbertdipuk]

This is the first time I've seen it. I'll keep an eye out. This has to be the most stressful hobby ever [emoji23][emoji23]

 

[Lionfish Lair]

If it's a peanut, you should see him around that same area. They do wander if they aren't getting enough food, but often they are quite happy in the one spot.

LOL @ the stressful part.... it definitely can be at times, right!!