Asterina Starfish – Asterina sp

The Asterina Starfish is a small, hitchhiking invertebrate commonly found in saltwater aquariums. Known for its tiny size and cryptic behavior, it comes in various shades of gray, white, and tan. While some hobbyists consider it harmless, others monitor its population due to its ability to reproduce rapidly. These asterina were harvested from a healthy mixed reef, and have never been observed eating corals. Note: Large orders may require an extra day of lead time.

Description:

Common Name: Asterina Starfish

Scientific Name: Asterina sp.

Family: Asterinidae

Size: Up to 0.5 inches (1.25 cm)

Temperament: Peaceful

Difficulty: Easy

Reef Safe: With caution

Native Region:

Asterina Starfish are found in oceans around the world, often living in reef environments where they graze on biofilm and algae.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: No minimum tank size

Temperature: 74-80F (23-27C)

pH: 8.0-8.4

Salinity: 1.023-1.025

Substrate: Live rock where they can hide and graze.

Additional Tips:

Reproduction: Asexual reproduction allows populations to grow quickly; regular observation is recommended.

Compatibility: Generally peaceful, but some species may graze on coralline algae or soft corals when preferred foods are scarce.

Diet: Feeds on detritus, algae, and biofilm found on live rock and tank surfaces.

Control: Manual removal or the addition of natural predators, such as harlequin shrimp, can help manage high populations.