starfish or pests?

[ThisCityIsDead]

Why do I have these tiny starfish in my tank. I did not purchase these. I read somewhere they are pests, but some people like them. Are they parasites?:\ is my tank's water quality bad for having these?http://i61.*******.com/11972qf.jpg

[mcgyvr]

asterina..just fine.. harmless.. I've got tons..
http://www.chucksaddiction.com/hitchhikers.html

[cloak]

I don't trust them. :thumbdown

http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.php/current-issue/article/45-reefkeeping-101-

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w16/jAb83_2007/asterinapictures_zps12685634.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/jAb83_2007/media/asterinapictures_zps12685634.jpg.html)

[mcgyvr]

yes there is one that resembles asterina that may eat corals.. most are harmless though..
just watch it and adjust accordingly if you are worried..

[ThisCityIsDead]

Oh wow. How can I tell if it's the bad guy!:|

[apexkeeper]

My tank has lots of them and I've never had any issue. I'm fairly new to the hobby but from my experience ending up with the evil coral eating variety doesn't seem to be the norm.

[shesacharmer]

Oh wow. How can I tell if it's the bad guy!:|

You can't, basically. If it goes near your coral then pluck it. I can watch mine avoid the coral so I don't worry about those.

[ThisCityIsDead]

Il are these hitchhikers?

[BioCubeGuy]

Just wait... those things will spread fast!

[supertony]

The chances you have coral eating asterina is slim to none. But they can repopulate pretty quick. Worst case, if they get out of hand, you have a good excuse for a harlequin shrimp. I keep an eye on mine. In six months they went from three to a whole bunch. But still not enough to bother with.

[Saltliquid]

I personally would get any you see out as with any species of crabs, they are of no real benefit, so why take any chances! You will have problems with reef keeping, so why make potentially more!

[r_jay]

Say hello to my little friend, then say goodbye to your starfish. http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz338/r_jay_sampert/4g%20Cadlights%20Pico/DSC01021.jpg (http://s841.photobucket.com/user/r_jay_sampert/media/4g%20Cadlights%20Pico/DSC01021.jpg.html)

[billdogg]

from yesterdays thread on the very same topic:

I have had hundreds, if not thousands, of asterina stars in all of my systems for years (25+ and counting). I have never had a problem with one. I find that they are harmless detritivores. I go so far as to move them between tanks if one system seems to be running low.