Killer Hitchiker! Help!

[ahvrivera]

So for months i have been trying to figure out why i cant keep Zoa in my tank at all. they keep disapearing. Last night i went to look at my tank so can see the chalices and favias tentaclies seaching for food and to guage if i had to move anything around. Well what i found was the last of my zoa's covered by those pesky missing legs starfish. Cant remeber the name of them. but every single polyp was covered by these starfish.

Question is ....how do i get rid of them. My tank is completely flooded with them. I had to scrape them off the glass just be able to see in my tank. Was thinking a Harlequin shrimp or 2.
Any input is appreciated.

 

[sts04c]

Harley Shrimp will take care of the Asterina Stars, just make sure you are ready to supplement stars to feed the harleys or rehome the shrimps after thier work is complete.

 

[TyreeUM]

I would get a little net breeder and keep it in your sump, collect a bunch of the stars and hold them in there. Feed your shrimp with tweezers to train them on the asterina's and once they are settled in, they should go to town.

 

[ahvrivera]

Harley Shrimp will take care of the Asterina Stars, just make sure you are ready to supplement stars to feed the harleys or rehome the shrimps after thier work is complete.[/QUOT
Thanks! I would have no problem feeding starts. My LFS always has them for cheap. But a new home for a reefer in need would also be an option. It is REEF2REEF afterall.

I would get a little net breeder and keep it in your sump, collect a bunch of the stars and hold them in there. Feed your shrimp with tweezers to train them on the asterina's and once they are settled in, they should go to town.

Good idea! Sump is completely covered with them also. LFS has 4 available right now. Trip to the LFS it is.....

 

[Tabasco1]

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/zo...7317-proof-asterina-starfish-eating-zoas.html

Not sure the best way to post a link, but here is a thread from r2r from a couple weeks ago that talked about the same topic of asterina stars, as that is what is sounds like you are talking about. Are you sure the stars were not drawn to the polps bc they were dying? My understanding is that the poplulation grows with available food source, how heavy do you feed your tank?

Just keep in mind that Harlequin shrimp are obligate starfish feeders and you will either need to rehome them or provide starfish after they have done their job. I know some people keep a dedicated chocolate chip star tank with 5-6 starfish and rotate harvesting a leg from each every week.

My personal opinion is that we need to be responsible stewards in our hobby. Please do not get a Harlequin if you do not have a plan for long term care.

 

[ahvrivera]

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/zo...7317-proof-asterina-starfish-eating-zoas.html

Not sure the best way to post a link, but here is a thread from r2r from a couple weeks ago that talked about the same topic of asterina stars, as that is what is sounds like you are talking about. Are you sure the stars were not drawn to the polps bc they were dying? My understanding is that the poplulation grows with available food source, how heavy do you feed your tank?

Just keep in mind that Harlequin shrimp are obligate starfish feeders and you will either need to rehome them or provide starfish after they have done their job. I know some people keep a dedicated chocolate chip star tank with 5-6 starfish and rotate harvesting a leg from each every week.

My personal opinion is that we need to be responsible stewards in our hobby. Please do not get a Harlequin if you do not have a plan for long term care.

I wouldnt let it starve! have pleanty of options to house starfish if needed. But like i mentioned above. i would rehome if another reefer is in need.
Thanks for your input and post!

 

[Harry_Y]

I had the same issue I picked up a Harlequin Shrimp and it has really helped

 

[CJO]

Uh oh. Don't say that the asterina starfish ate your polyps. You're now going to have 3 or 4 people tell you that you are seeing things!

CJ