starfish of some sort

[sldoaktree]

just noticed about 5 of these 1/8 " to 1/4" in my tank are they reef safe or should i get them out?

[tomgl]

Think most have them. They are a spiecies of star fish. I'm sure you knew that. As long as they are cleaning and not distroying the tank I'll let them be.

[TheGreatAukSociety]

That
's an Asterina, I personally think they're interesting.

[wazupjames]

Yep, asternia star. They can get to about the size of a dime. But normally super tiny - harmless for the most part. May eat some coraline algae.

[tbone74]

Yea, I have a ton of these and have never noticed them bieng destructive

[bigronbo]

I had a very small one but i think my tang ate it. havent seen it except for one night.

[fishman]

I know everyone thinks these evil little guys are totally harmless. Well they are not completely harmless. I have thousands of them and they eat the coral line like crazy the bottom is totally clean and now they have finished off most of the rocks and now working on the back glass.

If the coral is weak from stress not enough light or to much light, acros are rtning they will take advantage and start eating away. If some coral is weak or dieing dont have it in a tank with these as they will help it to not survive. Kill them while u can

[wazupjames]

I actually have had an asternia star eat a Zoanthid that wasnt doing well. But I have never seen them eat anything healthy except Coraline like fishman said.

[vegaskid]

I think they are generally fine. I have seen some with green markings and they eat sps. Blue Linkia starfish will eat them. Also, many wrasses will enjoy them. I didnt know they ate coraline. Thats funny!!!

[TheGreatAukSociety]

That's the second time I heard that, where is it reported that Blue Linkia are eating Asterina stars?

[vegaskid]

I found a thread on RC in which the guy atcually filmed or multi shot pictured (cant remember) the linkia digesting an asterina right on the glass. I would have never thunk it. It may explain why my linkia seems to thrive and my asternia population has all but dissapeared. The video (sped up) clearly showed the linkia move over top of the asterina and the asterina slowly melt away into the linkias mouth. The the linkia moved away and there was an outline of the asterina left on the glass. I was like WTF. Ill try and find it again

[vegaskid]

here you go, http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1745175&highlight=starfish+and+asterina

whatya think?