Beneficial or harmful critter?

[Dxoilxd]

Hi all, I recently looked at my tank and noticed these little starfish looking guys growing and attaching themselves to the glass. I see about 3-4 of them. Anyone know what these are and if I should be worried? If they are bad, how would I go about removing them?

Thanks

 

[genxbigboy]

Beneficial. They eat algae. Also been reports they might eat zoas but they never bother my zoas. Had them in my tank for many years. They multiply pretty fast. Asterina stars I think if my spelling is correct.

 

[Dsjreef]

They will spread like crazy. You will need a harlequin shrimp to get rid of them. Remove any other star fish before you add the shrimp.

 

[Zoarder]

I hate them, they will eat zoas. Specially the weak ones.

Sent from my SM-G860P using Tapatalk

 

[watchguy123]

They seem to proliferate greatly at times and then decrease at other times. It's a pretty interesting phenomena.

Most consider them reef safe but there are always reports of them either munching on something or a specific variety being pests. As was said In an earlier post, if you want them gone get a harlequin shrimp. I believe they are the only natural starfish predator

 

[Dxoilxd]

Man so stressful, thanks for the info everyone

 

[scsmith2002]

Most are reef safe but the ones I had eat almost all my Zoas.... I'd nuke 'em if I were you...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk