OO OO pick up the hitchhiking star

[Adrinal]

LF ID

 

[ostrow]

These are Asterina sp. or "mini brittle stars". 99.9% of the species found in aquaria are beneficial algae grazers and yours looks identical to the ones I have. There is a type reported to (or there are suspicions that it may) eat SPS. However, most reports have them eating SPS already diseased/dying/dead.

 

[Adrinal]

 

[ste2k3]

they can multiply quite fast and like ostrow said, they have been reported to damage SPS but i have found odd ones in my tank with no probs. they won't add bioload as if theye are eating algae, they are doing a good job so I wouldn't worry too much. just keep your eye on things.

ste

 

[Adrinal]

 

[ostrow]

will help you to keep a heavier bioload, not contribute to it. they eat detritus and algae. the vast majority of species of asterina do NOT bother any corals, sps or softies. I believe only one type is suspected, and it is very rare, and rarer still in aquaria. you ahve nothing to worry about. these are as beneficial as most worms you have in the tank.

 

[Great Lakes]

I have the white ones. Wish I had more of them.

Abd yeah Adrinal, start building a shelf for more tanks...lol

GL