Asterina and Macroalgae?

[Alaeriel]

I've set up a nano macro tank to grow out some algae for the 200 gallon tank. We picked up some true live rock and it came with this little guy. Looks like an asterina to me. I've seen anecdotes of some specimens munching on corals, but very few reports about their interactions with macro. He's about the size of a dime. If they don't pose a danger to the macro, we may just let them proliferate so we can have a harlequin at some point. Would love any insight or information you guys have!

 

[Tamberav]

They nibble on macro and even nori. Usually the more delicate stuff or any dying tissue.

 

[Pistondog]

Really great picture.
Harmless in small numbers. Gotta have hundreds in the 200g to support a harlequin.
They will munch on coralline too.

 

[Alaeriel]

Really great picture.
Harmless in small numbers. Gotta have hundreds in the 200g to support a harlequin.
They will munch on coralline too.

Thank you! Ideally we can keep a stable population in the refugium as a backup, too but the harlequins likely won't be for several years. Hoping to find some blue hypnea to grow out in the nano tank, too since it tends to be a slow-grower. I didn't want to put it in there if it'd be munched anyway :)

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

Is this what it looks like?

 

[Alaeriel]

Is this what it looks like?

A bit less fuzzy-looking, and the blue isn't quite so pronounced. More a mottled tan with various darker splotches. Nearly a scaly texture.