Identify

[jamesvchin]

Can someone identify this? I am not sure what it is or if it is a friend or foe.

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[deaclauderdale]

Asternia starfish.

 

[Smite]

I don't think they do anything wrong but they multiply like mad and will end up covering just about everything, glass/rock/sand. Once I noticed a bunch I'll pick up a harlequin shrimp to knock them back.

 

[tripinpn01]

Usually not harmful except I did find the blue variety recently munching on some of my zoas though.

 

[drexel]

Aquilonastra, they are consumers of algae. All of these stars that are misidentified as asterina are in fact aquilonastra. True asterina stars are much bigger and can do some damage. These guys are harmless.

 

[jamesvchin]

Sounds good, thanks all! Will be looking into maybe getting a harlequin, really appreciate the help

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[Smite]

Sounds good, thanks all! Will be looking into maybe getting a harlequin, really appreciate the help

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Just fyi you’ll need a ton to sustain a harlequin without supplemental starfish.
It took about 2 months for my pair to plow through hundreds, maybe more. It’s cool to see though, after you add one you’ll see all the stars run for the glass.

 

[jamesvchin]

Just fyi you’ll need a ton to sustain a harlequin without supplemental starfish.
It took about 2 months for my pair to plow through hundreds, maybe more. It’s cool to see though, after you add one you’ll see all the stars run for the glass. View attachment 97392

Oh wow! Yeah I'll definitely have to wait a little then lol

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[Marlboroken]

Should be Asternia starfish