What Type of Starfish Are These?

[tekisui]

These starfish just appeared today, or at least I just noticed them. I pay a lot of attention to the tank, so I think they showed up today. I have counted 7. They are about the size of a large nail head. Here is one(right in the middle of the pic):

I read that some starfish are not reef safe, so I want to make sure to ID these. Thanks for helping!

 

[cranberry]

They are asterinas. Some people report that eat coral, I've never seen it. Maybe it's a matter of different species. They will eat some coralline.

 

[tekisui]

Originally Posted by Cranberry
http:///forum/post/3134921
They are asterinas. Some people report that eat coral, I've never seen it. Maybe it's a matter of different species. They will eat some coralline.
Thanks. Will they get much bigger? It doesn't see like they would eat too much of the coralline if they stay small. I guess I will just leave them be and see what happens.

 

[meowzer]

I have a bunch in my 54G...they never eat anything, and they don't get any bigger than 1/4"......1/2 at the most

 

[tekisui]

Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3134969
I have a bunch in my 54G...they never eat anything, and they don't get any bigger than 1/4"......1/2 at the most
Cool! Just another new critter! Finding the hitchhikers has been one of my favorite things about reef-keeping. Each day, I give a close look wondering what will be nest.