Starfish

So I have been finding these guys popping up everywhere. I pulled the three I noticed and placed them in glass wear for this photo. What type of starfish are these and are they predatory? I am still in the coralline growing stage where it is not out of control in this tank and don't need starfish wiping out that and my corals.

Thanks!

 

i know chocolate chip stars are no good for a reef than only good for a fish set up. as for yours not shure what they are some one should be able to tell you .

 

Asterina's, they multiply pretty Fast. I have heard they can go after soft corals but I'm not 100% on that.
If you have alot it would be a good excuse to get some harlequins.

 

Asterina star, very cool and reef safe. don't worry.... they are safe....

 

I would give you the same answer based on my personal experience, I've never had a problem with them.

BUT there are people who say they eat coraline and SPS. Just watch them closely to make sure.

 

If they are indeed Asterinas they are getting flushed.

 

All the photos I have seen over time regarding Asterinas have been white. Ex: FAQs about Asterina (tiny, white...) Sea Stars 1

Are there also dark colored Asterinas? There seems to be a lot of confusion out there on them.

 

Some of the tiny ones I have are blue and seem to stay on the coralline. The white ones venture all over the place and don't seem to damage anything. Different species?

 

they do eat coraline algae, i have them and as i see them i through them in my refugium where they may be beneficial. BUt i have witnessed them eat the coraline algae

 

My other concern would be the stars breading in the refug or sump and their spawn getting pumped into the DT.