Starfish outbreak

Fishn28 · Jun 6, 2023

Recently in my Fluval Evo 13.5 I’ve notice a few starfish around the tank. At first 1 now I count 3. Not sure how they got here or how to combat them. The hermit crabs and cleaner shrimp seem to ignore them so I’m not against adding another creature to get rid of them for good.

ISpeakForTheSeas · Jun 6, 2023

From what I can see (which, admittedly, isn't a lot), they seem to be brittle starfish - if so, they're harmless/beneficial (a lot of people enjoy as part of their CUC). So, no need to combat them - they're good guys.

If you don't want them, I'd just offer them to some local hobbyists or your LFS.

Fishn28 · Jun 6, 2023

ISpeakForTheSeas said:
From what I can see (which, admittedly, isn't a lot), they seem to be brittle starfish - if so, they're harmless/beneficial (a lot of people enjoy as part of their CUC). So, no need to combat them - they're good guys.

If you don't want them, I'd just offer them to some local hobbyists or your LFS.

Ok thanks. I just don’t want them to start getting too out of control

ttmason25 · Jun 6, 2023

Fishn28 said:
Recently in my Fluval Evo 13.5 I’ve notice a few starfish around the tank. At first 1 now I count 3. Not sure how they got here or how to combat them. The hermit crabs and cleaner shrimp seem to ignore them so I’m not against adding another creature to get rid of them for good.

Get a wrasses any will do. I would recommend getting a Leopard wrasse. They eat them. However over time they may lose interest in them if you keep your tank really well feed. I have a ton. You can also just scrap them off.

Mr. Mojo Rising · Jun 6, 2023

They are micro brittle stars, every tank has them. They are part of the clean up crew, they will scavenge leftover food. Some places even sell them and people buy them to add to their tanks. Not a bad thing at all.