Little white starfish

[erid]

What are these? Please tell me that these aren't coral killers.

 

[sgarron]

Asterina

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

 

[erid]

Thanks.

 

[mynd]

yup, asterina. They don't eat corals that are healthy, but will eat coral / zoa polyps that are dying. They also are nice enough to eat coralline algae, so if you happen to see pink trails on your walls or rocks you can be assured that an asterina is consuming the coralline as it moves. They are good to have in your tank in moderation, but would be sure to keep them under control. Once I reach over 5 in my nano I remove the extras. Don't want them eating all my coralline..

 

[Hawkeye]

A bit of controversy with these - GARF reports that certain species will eat SPS...while other hobbyists report no detrimental impact at all.

I have never heard them eating coralline - but (shrug) so much of the stuff grows in a tank - even if they do eat it - it's hardly noticeable.

 

[jazzsam]

My fuge has tons but I have never seen them in the display.