6-Legged Star Fish?

[Comboverguy]

Just wondering if anyone has seen a 6 legged star fish. He came off of my live rock that is about 6 months old in my aquarium. Does anyone know if he is the kind that eats coral? It's about 1/2 inch in diameter.

 

[DaveK]

What you have is an Asterina star. They are considered a problem species in a reef because they eat polyps. Remove them and destroy them.

 

[Comboverguy]

Ok, I was afraid of that. Thank you.

 

[HEREFISHYFISHYF]

I have lots of them in my reef and they haven't touched a single coral. My buddy also has them in his reef and still, no ill effects.

 

[reefmasta]

i call them fiji stars, but they are selective eaters on coralline algae or sometimes stoneys just depends. they are a nussence because it only takes one to make 120310293 of them. they are irregular shaped ALOT because they divide themselves to reproduce. most come out at night time. if you keep them in your tank then great, just remember to not introduce them somewhere you dont want them.

 

[Comboverguy]

Ok, this critter got a suspended sentence. He's on probation. We'll see how he acts. I hope he behaves cause he's kinda cute. Thank you all for your input.

 

[joewell]

harlequin shrimps will eat them!