What IS this????

[warhorseart]

I just found this crawling on my glass. It is a little larger than a grain of rice. Should I kill it?
Please let me know quick good/ bad
I'm scared it will disappear

 

[mgdth]

Asterina Star


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[Bjohn]

Leave it be. It is fine to have.

 

[warhorseart]

Ok, ;). Something new everyday! I tell you guys... my FW tanks have NEVER been this entertaining. Especially considering 75% of the daily finds are just from rocks!

Thanks so much,
Steph

 

[mgdth]

Just be aware...asternia stars are known to munch on zoanthids. I had them in my tanks for four years, then all of a sudden they started on my spiderman zoas...caught them red handed! I purchased a pair of harlequin shrimp the next day!


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[mgdth]

Just be aware...asternia stars are known to munch on zoanthids. I had them in my tanks for four years wih no issues, then all of a sudden they started on my spiderman zoas...caught them red handed! I purchased a pair of harlequin shrimp the next day!


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[warhorseart]

Lol, I just googled. Guess I'll wait until there is more than one. Said Harlequins only eat these or some urchins.
I've always wanted a Harlequin

 

[Bjohn]

I have heard of that but I have also heard it is a red species of asterinas that eat zoanthids. Also if you are ever thinking of buying a harlequin, keep in mind that if your tank isn't that large and doesn't have a significant population of asterinas, the shrimp will blast through them and you will end up having to buy more starfish to keep it alive. VERY beautiful shrimp though

 

[Bjohn]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.php/current-issue/article/45-reefkeeping-101-
Very good information about the nature of asterinas. Hope this helps