Friend or Foe??

[Reefer]

Got some tiny white starfish type things in the tank as I say look like starfish but have short stubby arms, I think foe as they like to hang out on the corals (eating them?) so I syphon them out. what do you think they are?

[Macca]

Hard to say without a picture but I would guess theye are Asternia.sp starfish. Some are safe (algae eaters) others have been known to eat corals.

James

[newkidfish]

Hi agree with reef critters, sounds like aterinas, we had some and they appeared to much the coraline algae :( . Took them back to fish shop.
Take care when removing from tank as they can regrow if a bit is left behind!

[Reefer]

Asterinas it is They look like they are eating the coraline algae, will they also eat corals??
p.s. they are only about 3mm large at max size

[Macca]

you will get mixed reports. Leeroy at www.garf.org has reported them munching SPS corals while other including myself have only seen them tackling algae. They reproduce by splitting and can multiply quickly. Why not make up your own mind by watching these critters yourself as it may not be the exact same species of starfish others have had.

James

[tonyponty]

i had a few of these but seemed to have dissapeared now

[Reefer]

I think I will just keep on top of them and try to get rid of as many as possible, I have seen them on my sps corals but would not know if they are eating them as they are so small?
If in doubt get 'em out I say