Hitch hiker ID from liverock

[maff2026]

This came from liverock, any ideas?

 

[maff2026]

Star fish?

 

[asap]

It is an Asterina Starfish.

 

[GSPClown94]

Asterina/Aquilonastra

 

[Fish Fan]

As mentioned, Asterina star, one of many species of these animals, some of which seem to be harmless, reef safe detrivores, and others are reported to munch corals. Some suggest that the color of the star can indicate if it's a good guy or potentially a bad actor in your tank. Here's a post from ISpeakForTheSeas:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/are-asterina-starfish-good-or-bad.957670/post-10927245

 

[maff2026]

It is an Asterina Starfish.

Coral muncher?

 

[Fish Fan]

Coral muncher?

Yes, some species of Asterina are reported to eat some corals, Zoas in particular

 

[maff2026]

Where there's one there will probably be more. I won't be introducing corals till after the five fish are stocked which will be at least August/September so I'll let them play for now until I can ID them by colour.
If they go for corals I'll remove them and take them back to the LFS, I don't kill anything.

 

[Fish Fan]

Yes, where there's one there's more

I believe the majority are harmless and beneficial to your tank, though they can populate quickly, and may occasionally need thinning. Harlequin shrimp are obligate sea star predators and can keep the Asterina stars in check, would be anther option.