Zoas and asterina

[MikeyAl]

I've never thought asterina are a problem and never bothered to deal with. Over last 2 weeks my zoas have been closing up and stay of that way. So I changed a few things here and there to no avail. Next logical step- critter control. So I did a dip and as o start pulling them out all of them had asterina stars worked in all the way deep into the colony.
So I've changed my pov on these little monsters. I thought them to be harmless but now know better.
Lesson learned.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yea. Heard the same. I think it's food availability. No algae or other sources the look for the expensive stuff.
I have the confirmed killers in my tank and have never lost a ZOA to them.
I also don't clean the low spot on my back tank wall.
It's like a treaty we have.

 

[Naiad]

Couple things. There could be algea growing on the zoa. There are also many species of starfish that are clumped in the asterina group. So two may look similar but have very different dietary needs. Lastly they could be acting as opertunists taking advantage of corals that are in weakened state due to another reason.