Will starfish eat Anemone?

[Timrpn]

Hello, I have a 32 gal Biocube with 5 clowns and a about 7 anemones in it. My daughter wants to get a starfish, what would be the best starfish to get for this? Is there a anemone safe starfish out there that she will be able to see and that is safe?

 

[Ranjib]

there are many type of starfish. Chocolate chip starfish are not reef safe while marble starfish are good. There are tiny asterina starfish are which are reef safe as well

 

[Gareth elliott]

For a 32 cube i would only recommend a brittle star. Most other reef safe ones are going to eventually starve in such a small tank.

 

[Gareth elliott]

Just read this over
i am not sure of the long term survival of 5 clowns in a tank that size. They grow slow but they are incredibly territorial as they age. Chances are eventually there will only be a pair that survives.

 

[rkpetersen]

Definitely a crowded tank, but that wasn't what you asked about. :)

Brittle stars, or even better Serpent stars would do fine, as they take the same food as fish.
They're also very active when food is in the water. Some people find it fascinating, others find it 'creepy'.

Fromia or Linkia stars are beautiful but can be very hard to keep long term even in larger tanks.
Their dietary requirements are tricky and not well known. You'd need to have the right biofilm on rocks and other surfaces.
They're also very sensitive to water chemistry/quality changes. So if your system isn't very stable, they won't last long.
Also Fromias in particular are sensitive to transport and require a very long acclimation.
Nonetheless they are really exquisite.

Chocolate Chip stars and other Protoreaster species aren't reef safe because they will eat corals, snails, clams, other starfish, etc.
However I have not heard that they attack anemones. I'd be interested in hearing if anyone knows for sure on this.

Asterinas are hitchhikers, they multiple like rabbits, and aren't particularly attractive. 'Nuisance starfish', basically.
Although they're generally reef safe, some species will reportedly attack corals, particularly zoas.

 

[Luna]

Chocolate chip star fish will DEFINITELY eat them & torches. Stay away from them.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

Serpent stars like mentioned above are a good choice. Here’s mine after dropping some food in.

 

[Shadowbox]

Serpent stars like mentioned above are a good choice. Here’s mine after dropping some food in.

What kind of nem is that green one?

 

[Saab95conv]

I have 2 large chocolate chip starfish I want to get rid of to expand my choices. I've had them for 10+ years. Any suggestions? Or I guess I could setup small tank. Janet

 

[Saab95conv]

Is there an anemone that will be safe eith chocolate chip star