Critter ID for a newbie

[manners0485]

Anyone know what this critter is? I have a lot of these on the back wall of my tank and a few on the front.

 

[Codeblack88]

asterina starfish. A pest that can kill your coral (i think). You can see if your LFS has harlequin shrimp and put on in. But if u add one in you need to take it out when the starfish are done bc the shrimp only eat the starfish

 

[Alexopora]

Anyone know what this critter is? I have a lot of these on the back wall of my tank and a few on the front.

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I’m not sure about Asterina but I have a hunch. The picture is hard to determine but i suspect these are medusa stage hydroids. Get a turkey baster or pipette and try to blow them off the glass. If they immediately come off and start swimming in a jellyfish/upwards jerking motion, then it’s a medusa stage hydroid.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

I’m not sure about Asterina but I have a hunch. The picture is hard to determine but i suspect these are medusa stage hydroids. Get a turkey baster or pipette and try to blow them off the glass. If they immediately come off and start swimming in a jellyfish/upwards jerking motion, then it’s a medusa stage hydroid.

That's what I was thinking too but it's hard to see

 

[manners0485]

Thanks a lot for your quick replies, I’ll try and get some better pictures posted. Description wise they’re very much snow flake looking, they’re a white dot in the middle with wavy tentacles

 

[manners0485]

Here’s a better picture if it helps

 

[Alexopora]

Thanks a lot for your quick replies, I’ll try and get some better pictures posted. Description wise they’re very much snow flake looking, they’re a white dot in the middle with wavy tentacles

Your description fits medusa hydroids perfectly.

 

[Alexopora]

Here’s a better picture if it helps

Thanks and yes these are medusa stage hydroids. So far most reefers including myself don’t have much issues with these. They normally pop up especially in younger tanks and will disappear as your tank matures. Not much to worry about. Just stick to your usual routine with water changes.

 

[manners0485]

Alexopora​

Thanks for replying, that’s great. My tank is only around 3 months old so I’ll just continue with the water changes etc, my fish are currently in a hospital tank undergoing medication for white spot at the minute so I’ll continue with the water changes etc. Thanks again