A star Fish and a half

Discussion in 'ID This!' started by ALW, Jan 13, 2009.

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  1. ALW

    ALW Sea Dragon

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2008
    Messages:
    503
    Location:
    South Florida
    Last night I noticed a Starfish and about two thirds of a Starfish on my glass. By the time I got my camera they made it to the sand (2 minutes max).

    Can someone ID this and tell me if they are harmful?

    Thanks.

    Adam

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    ALW, Jan 13, 2009
    ALW, Jan 13, 2009
    #1

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  2. inwall75

    inwall75 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2003
    Messages:
    7,172
    Location:
    America
    Most stars from the Asterina Genus are quite welcome members to our reef tanks. However, there are a few species of Asterina that will eat corals. Your best best is just to watch them and how they act around your corals.
     
    inwall75, Jan 13, 2009
    inwall75, Jan 13, 2009
    #2
  3. Dr.Fragenstein

    Dr.Fragenstein Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2008
    Messages:
    2,108
    Location:
    SE Wisconsin
    Good call inwall, I've always been lucky to have safe ones but some members of my local club have had some that nibble on the bases of acros. In an article I wanna say by Borneman or maybe Shimek, it says that all asterinas SHOULD be safe but many of us keep the tanks so nutrient devoid and so "clean" that there is not enough microalgae to feed them so they resort to scavaging. Looks like the Drs. are recommending dirty tanks!! :)
     
    Dr.Fragenstein, Jan 13, 2009
    Dr.Fragenstein, Jan 13, 2009
    #3