what kind of starfish is this?

[ultra spikey]

I found this little guy today in my 75g. Its about the size of a nickel. I also have a sand sifting starfish about 3-4" long. Could it be a baby sand sifting star? are they asexual?

Baby star
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b22/jambulo/DSC05939.jpg

S.S.S.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b22/jambulo/DSC05890.jpg

[Tang Salad]

Interesting, the patterns do seem similar to the SSS. I believe they can reproduce asexually. Never seen one that small before though.

FWIW, these aren't generally desirable stars for reef aquariums, as they deplete a sandbed of all life. But it depends on what kind of setup you have.

[Im14abeer]

Sure looks like a SSS, and all starfish "can" reproduce asexually. Not usually a good sign in captivity. As mentioned above, they are known to deplete a sandbed of its life, could be a sign of lack of food. An attempt to spread genes by widening the habitat. Won't do much good in a captive environment. On the other hand, maybe food is so plentiful in your tank, that nature/starfish decided it has been too long without nookie to let the bounty go underexploited. Let's hope for the latter.

[AquaReeferMan]

Looks like the Asterina stars I have all over my tank. I do have a couple that size also.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e349/aquareeferman/New%20Reef/astar.jpg

[Hormigaquatica]

Definitely not a sand sifter. AqueReeferMan is most likely correct that it is some type of Asterina (which actually means its about fully grown too). They do reproduce asexually, and quite rapidly at that. Ive seen tanks with literally hundreds of them coming out at night.

Some people complain that there are varieties that seem to eat coral; Ive never had any problems with them, but you can pull it out if youre really worried about it.