starfish?

[colleen]

In my 90gal reef, I have what appears to be starfish.popping up everywhere in the tank. Are these real starfish or some kind of filter feeder ?? They are small (diameter of a pen/pencil)beige in color. Are they harmful?

 

[ezy33]

I suspect it's Astaria Star. They are harmless and reproduce by dropping a arm.

 

[colleen]

thanks. they are harmless...? but are they beneficial? how big do they get? will any of the fish or goby eat them?? I am worried about them getting out of control.

 

[ezy33]

They are algae grazers. The size is about what you see. I suspect my triggers eat them, as I put them in my 180 from my 55 when they get too plentiful. They should graze them selfs down to a stable level.

 

[Innovator]

Hmmm I disagree as to them being completely harmless. I consistently witness their appetite behaviors veering towards coral and not just as a secondary beneficiary. I would observe their "tendencies" mindfully and not let their populations get out of control in a reef tank.

 

[roka64]

I have heard of the ones that will munch corals. I could be wrong here, but the ones that are harmless tend to hang out on the glass and are not really "hidden"....
Of course, these are all just guesses without a pic....

 

[melosu58]

I`ve hundreds and have never seen them messing with my corals. That`s just me but I`ve also given some to many folks and they have not had any problems. JME

 

[Ziggy953]

I have tons of them as well and have never seen any of them on any coral.

Just to be clear you are talking about small starfish white/tan in color?

 

[melosu58]

Here is a pic I took of them on my side glass.