Star/Flower shaped things (Please Identify)

[leebaggaley]

Hi Guys, i am really new to reef keeping and have noticed today that my live rock is full of little star shaped creatures. My leather coral has been shedding and has opened up again today (could it be anything to do with this). They have appeared very rapid, i didn't notice them this morning.

Love to know what they are.

Thanks in advance

[Loverotties]

[leebaggaley]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

sorry was messing with pic trying to get it bigger, should work now hopefully

[icebear]

little starfish... can't remember the name.... someone will remember

[leebaggaley]

Cool, is that a good thing then lol? I already got a red starfish in tank and its been actin kinda weird (tying itself in knots etc...) not had it long, could it be that?

Think there is about 15-20 in all stuck on the live rock.

[icebear]

asterina stars http://www.wetwebmedia.com/asterinafaqs.htm

[leebaggaley]

Thanks for that. I have read on the link that they are a nuisance in high numbers and should be removed. I have a leather coral and am worried they might start munching on it if i leave them. What would you suggest?

[icebear]

yanno, i'm not sure. i guess it is up to you. i happened to see one in my tank yesterday. but they have never proved to be a problem for my tanks. i have always had softies for corals. never had these stars multiply much at all... so far


i'm leaving mine be:

[leebaggaley]

Thanks for your replies, i think ill leave them be for now as they aren't harming anything and i like having a diverse range of critters to look at, keeps it interesting