SeahorseKeeper
Where's the mysis?
This thread is to list some of the more common hitchhikers that we come across.
Asterina Starfish:
R2R member:Jurg
Asterina starfish are a common hitchhiker that are seen in many aquariums. These starfish are pretty small and typically get no larger than a centimeter. Asterina starfish are scavengers that usually eat algae, but there have been many reports that these starfish eat corals and coraline algae. The most common corals that these starfish will are zoanthids, soft corals and acropora. The asterina starfish that are colored seem to be more likely to eat corals as opposed the white ones.
These hitchhikers reproduce by splitting their bodies into two. This is one the reasons why you will see asterina starfish with irregular shaped legs. It is also why the asterina population can explode in our aquariums. The populations also explode in tanks that are high in nutrients since the starfish have an abundant food source.
It can be difficult to eradicate a system of asterina starfish. One way to rid a system of them is to remove them manually. This can be quite time consuming and it is impossible to remove them all manually because they can hide deep in the nooks and crevices of the live rock. If you opt for the manual extraction method, it is a good idea to reduce feedings and reduce the nutrients in the tank. This can help to limit the food supply of the starfish. Another option would be to add harlequin shrimp to the tank. Harlequin shrimp feed exclusively on starfish and will quickly eradicate the tank of the starfish. Once the starfish are gone, the harlequin will have to be fed starfish.
Mini Brittle Starfish:
R2R Member: fasiczka
Brittle starfish are a welcome addition to most hobbyists' tanks. They are beneficial detritivores and eat waste. They also multiply rapidly in tanks with excess nutrients. However, they are not known to eat corals and are seen as a desirable hitchhiker. These starfish can look like small brittle or serpent starfish.
Asterina Starfish:
R2R member:Jurg
Asterina starfish are a common hitchhiker that are seen in many aquariums. These starfish are pretty small and typically get no larger than a centimeter. Asterina starfish are scavengers that usually eat algae, but there have been many reports that these starfish eat corals and coraline algae. The most common corals that these starfish will are zoanthids, soft corals and acropora. The asterina starfish that are colored seem to be more likely to eat corals as opposed the white ones.
These hitchhikers reproduce by splitting their bodies into two. This is one the reasons why you will see asterina starfish with irregular shaped legs. It is also why the asterina population can explode in our aquariums. The populations also explode in tanks that are high in nutrients since the starfish have an abundant food source.
It can be difficult to eradicate a system of asterina starfish. One way to rid a system of them is to remove them manually. This can be quite time consuming and it is impossible to remove them all manually because they can hide deep in the nooks and crevices of the live rock. If you opt for the manual extraction method, it is a good idea to reduce feedings and reduce the nutrients in the tank. This can help to limit the food supply of the starfish. Another option would be to add harlequin shrimp to the tank. Harlequin shrimp feed exclusively on starfish and will quickly eradicate the tank of the starfish. Once the starfish are gone, the harlequin will have to be fed starfish.
Mini Brittle Starfish:
R2R Member: fasiczka
Brittle starfish are a welcome addition to most hobbyists' tanks. They are beneficial detritivores and eat waste. They also multiply rapidly in tanks with excess nutrients. However, they are not known to eat corals and are seen as a desirable hitchhiker. These starfish can look like small brittle or serpent starfish.
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