Star fish or what are these?

[GTAReefTank]

I have a few of these popping up recently. I haven’t added anything since covid lockdown in March. Some just have 3 “legs” others 4 or 5 . Smaller than the nail on my smallest finger.

 

[NashobaTek]

Asterina starfish

 

[Mikedawg]

They propagate rapidly, so you might want to be ready to thin them out. I understand some species eat coral, but I never witnessed it.

 

[harley32907]

Agree with above

 

[Mtk1988]

Definitely asterinas

 

[Floppyfish]

Got a food source for a harlequin shrimp now if you’ve ever wanted one.

 

[vetteguy53081]

remove by hand or a small net. They will grow in large numbers and generally attack zoa coral.
They break off a leg which grows into a new asterina star and they repair that leg. Those two repeat and becomes 4 which repeat and becomes 8 and so forth.

 

[fishguy242]

just keep taking out little by little to keep under control

 

[GTAReefTank]

Wow you guys are amazing. Thanks so much. Will get busy today on em. I can see about 3-4 already.