4mm Star-ID needed!

[Scooterman]

After two years with the same LR, today I found not one but two 4mm starfish. They are so small I had to get out the big guns to take these photos, using three spacers to take the Macro's, If you stepped back a couple feet you'd probably not even notice them, they are that small!

 

[returnofsid]

Those are Asterinas. Some say they're harmful, most say they're beneficial. I've had lots of them in both of my tanks for several years and never had a single problem with them.

 

[Scooterman]

Sure hope they aren't Last thing I need is more pest LOL!

 

[returnofsid]

IMO, they're great lil' guys. Usually have a missing leg for some reason...lol.

 

[mfinn]

They are cool to look at, but there are some varieties that go after zoanthids. Not all will.

 

[krisfal]

IMO, they're great lil' guys. Usually have a missing leg for some reason...lol.

The missing leg is how they reproduce, the leg becomes a new starfish. That is why you will see the ones with one big leg and 4 little ones, its a new starfish!

 

[returnofsid]

Kris, that TOTALLY makes sense!!! I've known what they are for years, but NEVER knew the "why" of the missing legs, OR the Large leg with lil' ones...lol. <Slaps Forehead and says> DUH!!!

 

[treehugger]

it amazes me how year after year these little buggers come and go. I've had times when they seem to be everywhere and then months where i can't find a single one. I've never had any problems with them and even had a yellow tang that seemed to like to snack on them.