Tentacles coming out of green star polyp.

[fattytwobyfour]

I purchased a green star polyp today from a LFS. The frag was growing on a coral skeleton. I noticed tonight that there was some black tentacles reaching out from beneath the purple mat. I don't believe this is supposed to be apart of the polyp. I am not sure if you can see the tentacles in the photo. This is the best I can do with my iPhone.
I only see tentacles. I can't see a body or what they are coming from. Is this a hitchhiker, and something I should try to get out of my tank. I am new to this, and the tentacles are small, but look intimidating to me.

 

[fattytwobyfour]

I think the body is black and round in shape. The tentacles look like they have some spots of white.

 

[fattytwobyfour]

Just noticed another one!

That thing in the upper right hand that kind of looks like a mushroom top. It has started moving, similar to the way a snail moves.

 

[fattytwobyfour]

Is the tentacles possibly a brittle star? It looks like it "might" be to me. And what I've read, they are reef safe? And could the actual mushroom looking object be a mushroom? Please tell me that I got some bonuses with my tank, and nothing negative. The LFS owner did mention about dipping in iodine, which I didn't do. I have been reading about the polyps the last month, but didnt obviously research enough. I hope that this is a lesson learned with a good ending!

 

[deton8it]

It looks like a baby brittle star to me but it is hard to say for sure. As for your second question, if it is moving it isn't a mushroom. If it isn't moving than it might be. Again, it is hard to say based on these photo's.
John

 

[btldreef]

I agree, baby brittle stars.
The "mushroom thing" is hard to identify from that pic. To me, it almost just looks like coraline. Can you get a better pic?

 

[fattytwobyfour]

Thanks for the brittle star ID!
I'll get out my dslr today, and try to get a photo. I currently don't see the "mushroom" thing. But maybe it'll reappear.

 

[deton8it]

Could the mushroom thing be an Astrea starfish? Google Images Astrea Starfish and see if it is.
John

 

[fattytwobyfour]

Hey, I googled the Astrea Starfish. It didn't look like I remember the thing looking. I have been watching all day, but I haven't been able to see it.

 

[bang guy]

The mushroom thing is an Asterina Starfish.

 

[fattytwobyfour]

Thanks. I've read mixed reviews about them. If I could find it, I'd remove it. :/