Starfish

[Mooney0086]

Hi,
I've just noticed around ten different sets of legs.
I thought they was some kind of worms.
Having taken one out of a piece rock it turns out there starfish.
Is it ok to have so many in my tank?
I've got an adult one that looks the same as these but haven't seen it since I put it in 6 months ago.
Does there not need to be two starfish to mate? As I only know of the one adult being in there.

 

[Fischerman45]

It's a baby brittle star. Starfish can asexually reproduce by splitting. There shouldn't be a problem so long as there's enough food.

 

[Mooney0086]

Oh ok.
So would a piece of the adults leg split and then the little ones form?
I can't believe I've never seen them before.
Especially considering how long I spend staring in the tank.

 

[Fischerman45]

It's possible, but if there are a lot they prolly came in on you're live rock or something.

 

[Mooney0086]

Ok thanks.
Seems strange seeing so many at once.

 

[Fischerman45]

Yeah. How long have you been running you're tank? I would say they came in on LR unless it's an old tank. I have one, but he only comes out at night. And a baby one that I never see

 

[Mooney0086]

It's been going around 7 months now.
I've got an adult one like the little ones bit haven't seen it since it went in.

 

[Hinds04]

I have probably over 1000 in my 75, they take forever to grow. I just plan on giving them away as they get bigger. Maybe get some store credit...