Just found a starfish!

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by SynnzBB, Jul 30, 2009.

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  1. SynnzBB

    SynnzBB Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2009
    Messages:
    41
    So I started a new 20g in my bedroom for some nice decoration to the room. I used new live sand with a scoop of some from my 75g and some live rock from it. I also decided to try out Reef Crystals salt. I decided to try out the Bio Spira Instant cycle product which seems to actually work. 2 weeks later all my readings are as if it went through a cycle. I went to turn out the lights and notice a starfish on my glass. It freaked me out I was whoa cool! Is there something I should I put in the tank from him to eat. He is really tiny at this point. I would like to keep him. Any help would be awesome. Thanks!
     
    SynnzBB, Jul 30, 2009
    SynnzBB, Jul 30, 2009
    #1

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  2. iLLwiLL

    iLLwiLL Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
    May 6, 2009
    Messages:
    1,715
    Location:
    Central FL
    most starfish are scavengers , so it might be ok on its own. what kind of starfish are we talking about? got any pics? if not can you post up a pic from the web of something similar?

    ~Will.
     
    iLLwiLL, Jul 30, 2009
    iLLwiLL, Jul 30, 2009
    #2
  3. SynnzBB

    SynnzBB Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2009
    Messages:
    41
    I'm gonna post a pic in a lil bit. I'm on a break from work. It has four legs. Something wrong with him or is this because he is still young?
     
    SynnzBB, Jul 31, 2009
    SynnzBB, Jul 31, 2009
    #3
  4. phoenixhieghts

    phoenixhieghts Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2007
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    2,121
    Location:
    Manchester UK
    its probably just an Asterina Starfish which most people consider pests.
     
    phoenixhieghts, Jul 31, 2009
    phoenixhieghts, Jul 31, 2009
    #4
  5. dirtydavenkc

    dirtydavenkc Purple Spiny Lobster

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2009
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    489
    Location:
    kansas city missouri
    Some report problems with Asterina Starfish, when they occur in large numbers and use Harlequin shrimp with all the associated problems to get rid of them. However, they behave well and are very beneficial in the majority of reef tanks. I would leave it in there. they don't always have all there legs, it doesn't mean theres something wrong with this one thats just how they are (3legs, 6legs, 4legs) only if they start to overpopulate your tank would i remove them with your hands or tweezers.
     
    dirtydavenkc, Jul 31, 2009
    dirtydavenkc, Jul 31, 2009
    #5
  6. SynnzBB

    SynnzBB Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2009
    Messages:
    41
    Yeah it's a Asterina. I pulled up a pic and it was exactly. It says that they prey on coral when the sand bed runs out of things for them to eat. How do I keep the sandbed stock so that he does not do this. At the moment I have no coral in there but I do plan on making this tank a reef tank. I do have a bigger tank that is a 75g thats just a fish only with some rock. I have some GSP but that stuff multiplies so quick. You think I can keep him in my small tank or should I transfer him?
     
    SynnzBB, Jul 31, 2009
    SynnzBB, Jul 31, 2009
    #6