asterina

[TRIGGERMAN]

I have seen asterinas of all colors eat zoos pure whitish/beige ones blue/green ones I recently got some new rock and noticed some brownish ones but I was not taking a chance I just take out every asterina and throw them in the garbage or toilet. As Kathy said the debate will go on forever. I noticed it in my nano and when you have a nano you watch things much more closely because of the small size. Those were my observations. Good luck.

 

[Levito]

I have maybe a dozen or so in my tank. They're not pure beige, they have traces of red and purple on them. I've never seen them eat any coral... never even seem them on my zoas either.

 

[clownlover]

been awhile since i researched it but whats the consensus on asterina starfish? last i checked people really didnt know if they were good bad or neutral.

 

[ZANYMASTER]

I have a bit.Harmless in my opinion.

 

[KathyC]

The debate will rage on.

I still truly believe it comes down to what type of asterinas you have.
If they have ANY color to them other than purely beige - they are dangerous and will eat coral - zoas in particular. I cannot say I have seen them eat any other corals.

There was a post up somewhere here again the other day where someone watched his (blue/green tinted) asterinas nosh away on his zoas.

..and no, they are NOT just eating the algae off the polyps, they are eating the polyp itself.

 

[KathyC]

Here is the latest thread..
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/identification/92865-re-little-stars.html

Look closely at the color of this asterina - these are the ones that eat zoas.

 

[fcamargo6thave]

i found them eating zoas today those bastards

 

[e.muehlbauer]

I'm actually trying to encourage my asterina's. Last year I had so many it was ridiculous. Now I have maybe a quarter of what I had, and there is a noticeable increase in the amount of algae on my glass. I have never had them hurt anything in my tank...certainly not the Zoa's.

 

[2reefs]

I caught them eating my starpolyps mat.

 

[marki24]

i found them eating zoas today those bastards

lol, did you actually see them 'eat' your zoanthids or did they just 'sit' on them causing them to close up????
If you did actually see them eating you must have very good vision.

 

[marki24]

this debate will go on for every. They are reef safe. consider Zoapox or some other nudi eating your zoa's and not asternia. Cheers.

 

[Imbarrie]

Wetwebmedia has been quoted as saying there is no proof of asterinas actually killing and eating any zoas or other corals.
That is a bold statement, but I understand where people don't want to risk it.
I have both in my tank and no problems. I like them.

 

[jcs11236]

those bastards ate my purple hornets! i seen them myself!! i took a good 2 dozen out my tank.. every time they pop up i stick them wit a toothpick n right to the garbage they go!

 

[fcamargo6thave]

lol, did you actually see them 'eat' your zoanthids or did they just 'sit' on them causing them to close up????
If you did actually see them eating you must have very good vision.

lol he was sitting on top of him never seen him eat the zoas but they are always bothering them and they have stopped spreading on my rock so there has to be some kind of stress being put on the zoas

 

[ReefFan]

Buy a Harlequin Shrimp or two.. they will eat them all day and night. Of course that puts any of your desireable starfish at risk too.

 

[fcamargo6thave]

more problems with these asterina stars they are causing my purple rock to turn white and i know its these guys doing it because the white spots are the shape and size of these guys, I am beginning to become infected with these guys. My parameters are good, is this something someone else has expierenced.