Crocea Clam and Small Stars

[hilde123]

I have a relatively new Crocea Clam (about 2 weeks) that so far has been doing well. I noticed today that one part of hiss mantle was receded (not pinched) which I would generally think is representative of irritation. I am trying to figure out the cause of the irritation. I do have a RBTA that is in close proximity and regularally brushes against the mantle but that has never seemed to bother it, I read on several posts that indicate that anenomes dont sting clams for some reason. What I also noticed was one small starfish (1/16" diameter or less) that was on the most outer section of the shell (see arrow on pic below) I have had these stars in the tank for months and months and they dont seem to harm any corals or my other crocea, only the GSP for some reason (see pic below). Has anyone had these little stars on their tanks and seen them on their clams shell? From the reading I have done they are astrea (I think I have the spelling correct) snails and are harmless. I added a harlequin shrimp a week ago but there are probably thousands of them (all 1/6" to 1/8" in diameter) and Im not sure if he will ever catch up. Does the pic of the receding mantle look serious or just an irritation?

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd317/hilde5962/IMG_1940.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd317/hilde5962/IMG_1939.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd317/hilde5962/IMG_1937.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd317/hilde5962/IMG_1936.jpg

[moliken]

harmless. hundreds in my tanks. the receding may be something else. check for snails w/a flashlight after lights go out.

[GoingPostal]

harmless. hundreds in my tanks. the receding may be something else. check for snails w/a flashlight after lights go out.

X2, asternia stars are harmless, there's usually a couple on my clam at all times with no issues at all.

[hilde123]

Waiting for the lights to go out, hoping I dont have the dreaded pyrmids! I quarantined it for 10 days and checked at night on the underside and foot for pyrmids and never saw any? Could the anenome have aggrevated it enough to recede like that?

[hilde123]

Lights off, don't see any of the pyrmid snails with flashlight, only a few of the little brown stars. Could this just be temporary? Btw, my other Crocea is doing just great.

[spw4949]

I would guess it's the BTA, while it may not be "stinging" it per se I know that my clam doesn't like anything touching it's mantle wether it's stinging it or not, it may just be receeding due to contact.......I'm assuming that the clam is already attached?

[hilde123]

The clam appears to be doing much better. It is attached, but Im trying to put up a rock to block the rbta from contacting it.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd317/hilde5962/IMG_1942.jpg