Baby Starfish?

[clownfish]

I was looking at my tank the other and saw what appeared to be a very small starfish on the glass, near where some live Rock rests.

I wanted to take a picture but the little guy was moving from the glass to the LR and by the time I found my camera, I couldn't find him again.

It was very small, perhaps a 1/4 in diameter, probably smaller and white. It had the general shape of a starfish and moved fairly slowly.

Any ideas on what I saw. Obviously I did not buy a starfish, I guess it came with my LR. Anything I can do to nuture him and help him grow?

 

[Diverdude]

It sounds like a starfish. I have one similiar to what you describe in my tank. I think it came in on some live rock. I see it about 1 or 2 times a week. Check the link
http://www.reefs.org/hhfaq/pages/main_pages/faq_rock3.htm

 

[clownfish]

Yup. It looks like the same thing. I've only seen it once and now, of course, my family thinks I'm crazy...

 

[Diverdude]

If all conditions in your tank are suitable, you should continue to see it from time to time. I has been about 4 months since i first saw mine. I think it is kinda cool.

 

[aimeovaldi]

Remember some starfish are not reef safe, so id ing the type of star could be helpful.

 

[reefrunner69]

From what I've read that could be one of a few different type of star. I had the same type in my tank...you can read my thread here.

 

[clownfish]

Reefrunner I read your post, but did you ever determine if they were harmful or not. I have not seen mine again, but when I do I'll try to gather more info. Until, I'm hoping they are not harmful, 'cause I kinda of like them.

 

[kribbz]

i have a few in my tank. started with just one in my 20 and in about 7 months time i probably have 6 or 7. mine are a purple/blue color though. i've observed them alot and it seems to me that the only places i see them are in the areas that have algae growing so they don't really concern me but thats not to say mine are exactly the same as yours.

 

[Hara]

I have seen some of the "miniature" starfish sold in detrivore starter packs. Hopefully it is one like that.

 

[reefrunner69]

but did you ever determine if they were harmful or not.

After removing the first two, I have seen one more, and I have noticed no ill effect to my SPS corals. So I'm holding now...that I got the detrivorous kind. As with anything...time will tell.

 

[fishfreek]

I have what I call micro brittle stars in my sand bed. But they do look like brittles in that they have a small central disk and long thin legs extending out.

I thought about trying to photo shoot a few for a photo contest entry.