White Starfish

[algonquin]

We have a few of these little tiny white starfish. They never seem to grow. Has anybody else had these little hitchhikers? Are they good or bad for the tank?

Thanks

Andy

[CWebHokie]

I've got tons of em. Never get bigger than a dime. Almost all of them are half that size. I see too many to count in my 30 gallon. I notice them on the glass the most but they are on the live rock and sand too. Never noticed them doing anything bad so I assume they are harmless.

[dcombs44]

asterinas probably. i have a few. I wouldn't worry about them. I also have some very small species of brittle star in my rock work as well.

[skeeter-doc]

Asterina's seem to be nothing to worry about, excpet their vast numbers, ...

[Paintbug]

if they have short stumpy legs, and some are shorter than the others, they are Asterinas. if the legs are long and skinny, only 5 legs, and a tiny central disk, then they are mini bristle stars. either way they are usually harmless. some Asterina stars have been reported to eat SPS corals.

[dippin61]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8534885#post8534885 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Paintbug
if they have short stumpy legs, and some are shorter than the others, they are Asterinas. if the legs are long and skinny, only 5 legs, and a tiny central disk, then they are mini bristle stars. either way they are usually harmless. some Asterina stars have been reported to eat SPS corals.

specifically the blue tinted ones. the white ones are reef safe.