Seven-legged starfish hitchhiker...good or bad??

Discussion in 'ID This!' started by BTB0923, Sep 19, 2009.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. BTB0923

    BTB0923 Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2009
    Messages:
    112
    Location:
    Morrisville, NC
    I found this guy crawling on some live rock in my 55 gallon reef today. I took him out and put him in my sump to be safe. Can anyone ID or just tell me if its reefsafe or not?? Thanks
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Click Here!

  3. Dan562

    Dan562 Plankton

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2009
    Messages:
    9
    Location:
    Priest River, Idaho
    I think its a aternia, but i dont no to much about them, kinda new ;)
     
  4. GreyGhost

    GreyGhost Purple Spiny Lobster

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2009
    Messages:
    452
    He is an Asterina and he is a Bonus. Very good score
     
  5. BTB0923

    BTB0923 Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2009
    Messages:
    112
    Location:
    Morrisville, NC
    Awesome! So he is reef safe? I guess I will put him back in the display tank. Thanks
     
  6. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2009
    Messages:
    9,550
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    Looks like an asterina. They are cute and fun to watch! Enjoy!
     
  7. blumoon reefers

    blumoon reefers Millepora

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2009
    Messages:
    942
    Location:
    Richmond, VA
    +1 Asterina. Good to have...put him back in the big house!
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. phoenixhieghts

    phoenixhieghts Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2007
    Messages:
    2,121
    Location:
    Manchester UK
    its actually unknown whether Asterinas are good or bad. Some people have no problems with them what so ever, yet others state they have munched on their corals.
    Personally i have never had a real problem, caught one or two smothering some Zoo's but i just plucked those ones out..
     
  10. NEW REEFER

    NEW REEFER Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2009
    Messages:
    153
    Location:
    NC
    I have some that have popped up after turning the live rock during the move, LFS, fish world says they are safe, have not seen other wise,,,,
    I realized were practically neighbors. I live in Raleigh....Maybe we can trade in the future>?
     
    1 person likes this.