Chocolate chip starfish?

[AMaintC]

Got a couple of these guys; the tank I got the LR from did have a chocolate chip starfish in it, could this be babies?

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[bribo12]

No those are asterina sp. starfish. Harmless hitchhikers

[AMaintC]

I read that asterina can produce rapidly and become a nuisance due to their numbers, true story? Should I keep an eye on rapid population growth?

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[bribo12]

Nah I have a ton in my tank but they're not an issue.

[AMaintC]

Awesome, thanks

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[bribo12]

No problem! Good luck

[BRlBO12]

+1 asterinas. These can eatt coraline algae sometimes.

[54seaweed]

I always suck them out during water changes I can't stand them lol

[BigRedsReefs10]

Originally Posted by 54seaweed

I always suck them out during water changes I can't stand them lol

Why? There great at cleaning the tank

[dingusplease]

I have a bunch... I've heard stories about them eating zoas and such, but they've never been a problem for me.

I'm curious Red, what do these guys eat that can have a benefit? I'm guessing they're just detritivores...

[bribo12]

Originally Posted by dingusplease

I have a bunch... I've heard stories about them eating zoas and such, but they've never been a problem for me.

I'm curious Red, what do these guys eat that can have a benefit? I'm guessing they're just detritivores...

They eat detritus, algae and biofilm as well as coraline. Never really had an issue with them either and I think my urchin munches them sometimes. He wants all the coraline to himself

[54seaweed]

Originally Posted by BigRedsReefs10

Why? There great at cleaning the tank

I lost a lot of coral to them awhile back