Small stars starting to multiply

[ninjamini]

There are several small star fish that are starting to multiply in my tank. That are about 1/4-1/2" big and they are walking on the glass. They are not brittle stars but more like the ridged type with 5 arms. I have always had 1 or 2 but now it seems like there are 20 or so.
Should I be concerned?

 

[snakeblitz33]

Naa, those small starfish, (I think they are called astrina?) are a common occurance in saltwater aquaria. Under the right conditions, each one will split into two every 3 months or so. If you want to decrease the population, either pick some out every now and then, or get a natural predator such as a harlaquin (sp?) shrimp. (they look awesome!)

 

[ninjamini]

Yep thats them. Do they become a nuisance?

 

[paintballer768]

Asterina stars are the ones that look like the classic starfish stereotypes, not the brittlestars. Regardless of the details, most hitchhiking stars arent harmful to our tanks, and if anything just add a cool touch to it. If theyre multiplaying fast, give them some time. Im guessing that the population is booming, but once most of their food is gone, theyll die down to sustainable levels.
IMHO dont worry about them.

 

[spanko]

+1 Asterina. Not a problem unless they get to plague proportions. The only one that I think you don't want are the brown ones. have to check that to make sure though.

 

[coral keeper]

I'm not trying to hijack this thread, but can you post some pictures of your tank ninjamini? I don't think I've ever seen your tank.

 

[reeflife1680]

I've even seen ppl sell these things to help 'jump start' tanks that don't have them ...