[Timezone Detection]
Create Account - Join in Seconds!

User Name: Email Address:
Human Verification

Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

hitchhiker starfish


Bookmark and Share
Page 1 of 2 1 2 Last
Results 1 to 10 of 11
  1. #1
    nate_newton - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    St. Joseph, MI
    Posts
    511
    First Name
    Nate

    Default hitchhiker starfish

    So about a year ago I started buying corals again and getting hitchhiking Asterina stars. Last week I caught one on my purple haze monti, I removed it and found that it took a large chunk out of my healthy monti. I was looking at the tank last night and saw something in the rockwork. A large Asterina star, measuring over 3cm. I took a picture before I bagged and disposed of it.

    IMG 8891 - hitchhiker starfish

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Canton, Michigan
    Posts
    1,103
    First Name
    Manoj
    Awards Fishbowl Drawing Winner Tank of the Month

    Default

    These are not good starfish, you should remove it.

  3. #3
    iyachtuxivm - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Flint
    Posts
    618
    First Name
    Jamie

    Default

    Watch em they love zoos too! I dont care what anyone else says I have witnessed it personally in my tank.
    "The beatings will continue until morale improves."

  4. #4
    nate_newton - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    St. Joseph, MI
    Posts
    511
    First Name
    Nate

    Default

    Thanks until this species I've never had a problem. Now I keep a close watch. And that one is gone, kept it long enough for my photo records.

  5. #5
    jolson10450 - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Flat Rock
    Posts
    2,032
    First Name
    Justin
    Awards Grow Out King Monthly Giveaway Winner Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    i have them all over my tank, my experience is good so far with them, they just eat all the bad stuff in my tank, i had a zoa that was at it's outs and i was trying to save it (probably wouldn't of happened) and the next day i found one of these stars completely covering the single polyp frag, he was eating all of the dead flesh from it. i wouldn't draw to conclusion that he intentionally ate your monti but maybe that there was dead flesh on it and he ate the dead flesh from the piece.

    i know if they are the majority black then they are bad, but majority white most people have no issues.

  6. #6
    Skyhigh - Reefkeeper
    Moderator

    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    MI
    Posts
    927
    First Name
    Bryan
    Awards Photo of the Month - June 2012 Photo of the Month Photo of the Month Photo of the Month Referral Award Photo of the Month

    Default

    I all ways toss them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  7. #7
    MizTanks - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    U.P. of Michigan.
    Posts
    8,444
    First Name
    Jamie
    Awards Photo of the Month - October 2012 Photo of the Month Post and Reply Award - Winner of the first PAR Contest. Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    These little guys get a bad rap for eating corals, mainly zoas. I did my own research on these, I have em too and after many many articles I've come to the conclusion that they are harmless. That when seen on corals they are merely eating the dead or dying flesh.
    Do some more research before deciding what to do with them.
    Last edited by MizTanks; 03-03-2011 at 09:04 AM.
    There's nothing like being a Reefer! www.upmmas.com

  8. #8
    CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    saline, MI
    Posts
    2

    Default

    I've seen them kill a frag of my Bam Bam. Then go after my eagles eyes......I saved the eagle eyes. I have always seen a small amount in my tank, but I've noticed they cause issues when there is a population explosion of them. In general keep them under control.

  9. #9
    Sir Patrick - Reefkeeper A2 Club Coordinator
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    UofM territory
    Posts
    7,838
    First Name
    Chris
    Awards Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    I am convinced there are at least a couple different varieties of asterina, reef safe and not reef safe, and most are impossible to differentiate.

  10. #10
    nate_newton - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    St. Joseph, MI
    Posts
    511
    First Name
    Nate

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Sir Patrick View Post
    I am convinced there are at least a couple different varieties of asterina, reef safe and not reef safe, and most are impossible to differentiate.
    Very true. So far it has been the perfect six sided that has given me trouble. The oddball ones haven't touch anything from what I've seen. Still watching them all but the perfect six meet the trash. This could be an interesting project to keep track of and investigate.

Page 1 of 2 1 2 Last

Similar Topics

  1. Hitchhiker Help
    By Pat-O in forum Identification Forum
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 10-13-2011, 01:38 PM
  2. hitchhiker ID please
    By RedfordReefer in forum Identification Forum
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 04-06-2010, 10:58 AM
  3. hitchhiker
    By john90009 in forum Basics
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 12-30-2007, 12:16 AM
  4. Anemones hitchhiker id plz
    By maca02370 in forum Other Marine Life
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 12-05-2007, 08:04 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

About CaptiveReefs

    If you are interested in learning about reefkeeping or have a problem with your reef, our reefkeeping community is here to help. Feel free to ask a question or search our site. We have lots of experienced reefkeepers that are willing to provide free reefkeeping advice!

    Besides being a great resource for all levels of reef aquarium hobbyists, CaptiveReefs is a social experience that will enhance your enjoyment of reefkeeping. CaptiveReefs is committed to connecting reefkeepers with the support and information they need to grow beautiful coral reef aquariums.

Information

Connect with Us