Big Asterina!

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by Coastie Reefer, Dec 10, 2011.

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  1. Coastie Reefer

    Coastie Reefer Millepora

    Joined:
    May 9, 2011
    Messages:
    926
    Location:
    NE Louisiana
    This guy is about 2 or 3 times the size of most stars in my tank. All the others are solid grey and this one is speckled with blacks spots. He's a little bigger than he looks too because he deflated after I pulled him out to get a pic. I haven't noticed any damaged corals but I'm wondering if I should keep him out just to be safe.

    Thoughts?

    [​IMG]

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    Coastie Reefer, Dec 10, 2011
    Coastie Reefer, Dec 10, 2011
    #1

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  2. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
    Messages:
    4,874
    Location:
    USA
    If in doubt, take it out. Makes no sense to me to risk the welfare of a prized pet for the sake of a free hitchhiker.

    That said, do all your "asterina" stars have uniform legs? IMOPE, one rarely sees that. They usually appear deformed as they multiply by division/fission quite frequently.

    I'd suggest placing it in the sump until you can verify the species.
     
    Mr. Bill, Dec 10, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Dec 10, 2011
    #2
  3. Coastie Reefer

    Coastie Reefer Millepora

    Joined:
    May 9, 2011
    Messages:
    926
    Location:
    NE Louisiana
    My asterina population has declined significantly, but most are a little off shaped. This guy is the only one that looks like a "traditional" starfish. I think I'm going to pull the guy out, but I have to do it when my girlfriend isn't around as she loves the "baby starfish"!!
     
    Coastie Reefer, Dec 10, 2011
    Coastie Reefer, Dec 10, 2011
    #3