Starfish ID please

[Thumbster]

Found a couple of these on some live rock that I just received. They’re about 1/2” tall/wide.

What are they and more importantly, should I add them to the tank?

 

[Double monti 61]

Asterina some good some bad but they can be good addition to your clean up crew.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Those are Asterina stars. Some people find they become pests, but I’ve not had an issue with them.
Jay

 

[Thumbster]

Ok thank you. Sounds like I might add them then.

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Ok thank you. Sounds like I might add them then.

I wouldn't add them personally...there are different species and some not so good. I'm not sure what benefit would come from taking the chance...

 

[Thumbster]

You have a valid point also. I’ll read up a little and decide.

 

[jabberwock]

Was it "ocean live rock", or LFS live rock? If Ocean Live Rock I think you would be ok. If LFS live rock the asterinas may take over the void of the LFS live rock.

 

[Thumbster]

It was from the LFS

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

It was from the LFS

Regardless of where it's from it comes down to risk vs reward...what's the reward of adding it?

 

[jabberwock]

Regardless of where it's from it comes down to risk vs reward...what's the reward of adding it?

It matters because ocean live rock has fewer voids of life. The LFS live rock has a ton of open spaces ready to be populated. In this case, I would not put it back in the tank. JMHO

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

It matters because ocean live rock has fewer voids of life. The LFS live rock has a ton of open spaces ready to be populated. In this case, I would not put it back in the tank. JMHO

I understand what you're saying but these are starfish not microorganisms. They're going to reproduce just as quickly...if it is one of the bad ones then it'll do its thing...

 

[jabberwock]

I understand what you're saying but these are starfish not microorganisms. They're going to reproduce just as quickly...if it is one of the bad ones then it'll do its thing...

Sure, but nature abhors a vacuum. If there is available real estate, it will be filled by whatever is the most opportunistic. Macro, micro, it doesn't matter.

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Sure, but nature abhors a vacuum. If there is available real estate, it will be filled by whatever is the most opportunistic. Macro, micro, it doesn't matter.

I really don't want to start a debate over something like this because it's not my tank in the first place...I'll leave it up to OP

 

[I never finish anythi]

I have a few in my tank without any issues.

 

[jabberwock]

I really don't want to start a debate over something like this because it's not my tank in the first place...I'll leave it up to OP

Ok, not trying to ruffle feathers (or fins). Just friendly exchange of opinions.

I read a lot of your posts and respect your opinions. All the best.

 

[jda]

I have never had a problem with asternia starfish. Never. You will likely get them at some point or another on something else.

Edit: they eat algae and other films.

 

[j.falk]

Love those little stars!

 

[Thumbster]

Well since I’m just starting this tank I’ll probably hold off on the stars. Although I really like the idea of having them.

If I change my mind later I know where I can get some more.