Mystery star

[DmitryB]

So in my bucket that is keeping live rock from LFS cycling in preparation for a 170 in a couple of months, I just saw this little guy sitting on the wall. Is he good bad? If he's good, I'll probably grab him and put him in the 40 gallon tank because he'll get crushed by rocks in the bucket.

 

[strich]

I have no idea. But I'm interested to learn myself. Personally I'd keep him!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

@ISpeakForTheSeas

 

[cet98]

asterina starfish

 

[Tahoe61]

There are different species of Asterina starfish commonly found in our systems.

Some do eat coral, it seems Zoanthids are on the menu. Whether the Asterina is an obligatory corallivore is up for debate.

The other issue is reproduction. Some varieties are prolific and become invasive. Again the particular types that have the potential to become invasive is also up for debate.

Personally I take a wait and watch approach. If the Asterina is hanging around Zoanthids or at the base of other coral types I watch even closer.