Asterina stars

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by doTheEvolution, Apr 2, 2009.

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  1. doTheEvolution

    doTheEvolution Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2009
    Messages:
    51
    Location:
    Bell, California
    Not too long ago I started to see a few of these on my rock. They are multiplying like crazy and now I see them all over the place. So far, I see no reason to consider these a pest. They don't bother my coral and they seem like good cleaners. Anyone have any bad experiences with them? or seen them get completely out of control to where they are becoming a problem? I think a thread like this will really help new reefers, such as myself, feel a little more at ease or at least know how Asterina Stars can affect their reef.

    This is what mine look like.....
    [​IMG]
     
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  3. Robman

    Robman Great White Shark

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2009
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    2,688
    Location:
    Katy, Tx.
    They are no problem, just filter feeders. Be lucky you have them they are cool!!!!
     
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  4. camfam

    camfam Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2007
    Messages:
    66
    I have caught a few eating the base of my toadstool leather. I understand that there are varieties that are harmless, but you can't tell the difference.
     
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  5. jakeh24

    jakeh24 Pajama Cardinal

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    Dec 3, 2008
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    1,428
    Location:
    reno, NV
    I have them myself they eat algae or whatever they can find if you see them on your coral all the time just take em out but the biggest problem is they multiply like bunnies
     
  6. awa1979

    awa1979 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2008
    Messages:
    67
    Location:
    Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
    I haven't had issues with them hurting anything in my tank, they seem to mind their own business.
     
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  7. Powerman

    Powerman Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2008
    Messages:
    3,460
    Location:
    Colorado
    I just had an outbreak so to speak. I used to have a ton of tiny white brittle stars. Everywhere. I saw the Asterina here and there. Now they are everywhere. I don't mind, they are just noticeable. Never seen one eating anything good.

    Just tonight I was looking for a bristle worm I recently discovered, and realized I don't have all those brittle stars I used to have. Still have them, the population just seemed o decrease.
     
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  9. Beaun

    Beaun Fire Shrimp

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2009
    Messages:
    322
    Location:
    East Hampton, NY
    They shouldnt be an issue, but keep an eye on them just to be sure.
     
  10. Ishymishy77

    Ishymishy77 Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2009
    Messages:
    409
    Location:
    WI
    I just found one on the back of my tank this morning. When I told him that we had a baby six legged star he said it couldn't be a star if it had six legs.
     
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  11. coldshot

    coldshot Blue Ringed Angel

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    Feb 1, 2009
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    1,577
    Location:
    Somewhere in the hill's.
    I hear the Asterina will eat polyp's.....if ya got em keep an eye on em..If you have a sump put em in there...........I hear they filter feed and are a + on the water....
     
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  12. coldshot

    coldshot Blue Ringed Angel

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    Location:
    Somewhere in the hill's.