Asterina plague

Bruce Burnett · Jan 10, 2017

saltyhog said:
Somebody forgot to tell the gray/darker ones in my tank that they were pests! I've had them for years and they've never bothered anything in the tank. I suspect there are a lot more than two varieties of these guys.

I agree as I have white ones, dark ones and ones with dark lines going from the center down each leg.

prsnlty · Jan 10, 2017

H@rry said:
In my experience there are the 6 legged ones and the 5 legged ones. The 5 legged ones are the ones I have seen on the bases of coral. Some say they are only cleaning up dead tissue but I still don't trust them. Now the 6 legged ones I have only seen on the rock, sand, and glass. As a matter of fact, you hardly ever see one with all 6 legs the same size. They split in half and the "splits" have 3 big legs and grow 3 more small legs.

I've got a couple of Harleys in one tank that keep them under control. The other tanks have big wrasses in them and I think Harleys would just be a snack for them.

I've had Harleys clean up a tank so you couldn't find an asterina. Remove the Harley and a couple of months later you start to see one or two. I think they're like roaches; you never completely get rid of them; only keep them under control.

I agree they are like roaches! I have my harlequin in a 180g with a six line and yellow coris. They don't bother him :)

Mark3 · Jan 10, 2017

If I look for awhile, I can still find 2 or 3 around.....but they are VERY scarce.....and just 11 months ago had 1000 or more....ya think a Harlequin can eat!
And that is just one Harlequin.

Charlusdu59 · Jan 11, 2017

Big E said:
Nordoa Starfish will eat them and the asternia can't escape. The Nordoa is faster at eradicating them but you will still run into the same problem like harlequin shrimp.............they will starve without a steady diet of the stars.

+1, Best is nardoa variolata (Just for the name )

Charlusdu59 · Jan 11, 2017

A harlequin is great but eat Before all other star you have in your tank ... everyone you buy in store is.... better for here lol.

Homer Allman · Jan 11, 2017

So this is why I have limited coraline on my rocks. I have these things by the 1000's on my rocks. Lunar wrasse eats some but not near enough.

eleet · Jan 11, 2017

Fun story. I soaked my wavemakers overnight in vinegar. The asterinas did not die. I know one of the girls who works at that store. Very cool stuff. And I have my Shrimp with a whole bunch of wrasses, and a tomini tang with no issues

Mark3 · Jan 11, 2017

Homer Allman said:
So this is why I have limited coraline on my rocks. I have these things by the 1000's on my rocks. Lunar wrasse eats some but not near enough.

That's exactly why I bought my Harlequin shrimp... My purple rocks we're losing all their purple color... The purple is back now

Gabreil · Jan 12, 2017

eleet said:
This is what I pulled off my glass this morning. I pull them out daily. My harlequins can't keep up. The stars are nibbling on my corals. Anyone have any other suggestions before I nuke the tank?

Had a situation similar to yours and little by little they disappeared. Don't give up! Additional shrimp or two might help.

Mark3 · Jan 12, 2017

eleet said:
This is what I pulled off my glass this morning. I pull them out daily. My harlequins can't keep up. The stars are nibbling on my corals. Anyone have any other suggestions before I nuke the tank?

Put a couple hundred in a bag and send them to me... I need Harlequin food