What is this???

[cy88]

Hi all,

I saw this thing hiding between the rocks a few days ago, but I was only able to see the legs waving. Today I looked at the tank again, it came out! What is it??

Here's a pic (the piece in the middle):

Is it a sea star? It has 5 legs in total, it can move quite fast by grabbing onto the rock and swing it's body. Will it harm my tank?

Thanks!
Chris

 

[Fluff]

You are right, it's a sea star. There are no doubt more and they will not harm your tank. They are beneficial as part of your clean up crew and usually stay within the live rock. Great pic btw.

 

[roka64]

I agree with Cindy, I have never seen one so small. That is a great pic!

 

[Hara]

That is known as a micro star. It will not get much larger.

 

[MACATUA]

great photography!

 

[cy88]

Thanks all

Where did it come from?? I've had the tank for approximately 3 months and this is the first time i see him out!

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

Most likely it hitchhiked in on your rocks. I've got a lot of the little guys in mine. I'm continually amazed at the "new" things I find in my tank, and it's been up a year already!

 

[melosu58]

He was hiding in the rock. You are just seeing him today.