what the heck is this?? good or bad???

[mrjoe]

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Aquilonastra starfish (known is the hobby as Asterina) - mixed reports on them, particularly with zoas. Some people consider them pests, other like them as CuC.

 

[JayM]

Asterina starfish. Apparently they spread like wildfire and are difficult to get rid of if you aren't a fan. Harlequin shrimp will clear them quickly, but they only eat starfish so you'll need to consider rehoming, or finding a source of starfish to feed. Bumble Bee shrimp are rumored to eat them as well, but will also eat other "meaty" food, so that may be an option.

 

[mrjoe]

thanks for the replies.. ya they're messing with my zoa's...

 

[Murphs_reef]

Asterina the common species will sit on zoas but don't usually harm them .. might make them close up a bit...

I have lots and just leave them too it.. of you have a wrasse that will pick away at them for you. If not they are simple enough to manually remove if you want to..

 

[Alexraptor]

My experience with Asterinas show their apetites to be highly individualistic. Had several munch on zoas over the years, but it's usally enough to just exile/discard the offending individual and the rest leave them unharmed.