Are Asterina bad or good for SPS tank?

[piranhapat]

I been noticing a few asterina tiny star fish on my glass.(white) Not to many. Just wanted to know are they good or bad for SPS tank. I heard they eat algae and maybe zoas. Just wanted to know.

 

[TRIGGERMAN]

I have never seen them eat sps but they sure as hell eat zoas. I pick them out every time I see one.

 

[MIKE NY]

there are alot of different species of asterinas stars...some good and some bad....just keep an eye on them. I literally have thousands of them, most are harmless algae grazers, but when I see one eating a zoa etc..I take it out.

 

[piranhapat]

Mike, so far I have a few of algae asterinas on glass which I remove with a net. I see a few on LR. I saw one on base of SPS but was just walking to LR. Had no interest in SPS. I was reading that once they finish algae some eat coral. I got no Zoas. What's your opinion on Harlequin Shrimp? I know once they eat all of them you got to feed him or get him out. Do you think a scarlet hawk will go after him. My guy is small and doesn't bother my hermit crabs.

 

[edd]

kathyc posted an pic id between the two, somewhere on here.
i have the harmless ones, when i see them i pick them out with a long tweezer. if i keep up with it i don't see them for a while.

 

[jhart]

If the population gets out of hand pick up a harlequin shrimp , and let him go to work. when he's done either trade him off to someone else or buy him a star fish once a week to feed him. He will die if you do not feed him. Amazing creatures Btw.

 

[MIKE NY]

Pat...small shrimps, crustaceans and fish are on the menu with hawks...

 

[cody0709]

Get a harlequin shrimp, they multiply like crazy.

 

[beastium]

If ur taking them out anyway u should let em dry out and keep a collection. Lol

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