Should I keep him?

[rupertswife]

I recently bought some new snails and this little guy was attached to one of them.

Should I keep him? And what is he?




I haven't posted a photo this way before.....so, I hope this works. =)

[Reefd Up]

Looks like a harmless asterina starfish.  They're a good part of a clean-up crew.  There are some coral-eating starfish that are indistinguishable from the harmless variety (but the bad ones are pretty rare.)  I'd leave him in the tank.  If you notice him on the live tissue on any coral, I'd remove him then.

[larrynews]

they do multiply very fast...if that matters

[rupertswife]

I thought that's what it was, but wanted to be sure. And how fast is fast?

Thanks!

[harleyrider]

they do multiply very fast...if that matters

Id get him out like yesterday, they multiply very quickly and can be a big pain!!

[HUNGER]

Id get him out like yesterday, they multiply very quickly and can be a big pain!!

i would to

[jayare]

I've had these and they seem to eventually go away on their own.

[Reefd Up]

I'd worry more about that cyano on the sandbed than that starfish.  Starfish populations will rise and fall depending on their food supply.  As you're likely having some nutrient issues (as illustrated by the cyano), you'll probably see an increase of starfish. 

[chromiumlux]

Harlequin shrimp for rent!!!

[rupertswife]

Yeah, we had recently had some trouble with our water, but that's been resolved and the cyano is all gone now.