Supersize Asterina?

Bucko

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When checking my frag tank this morning before lights on I noticed this starfish on the glass.
The coloured side which I wasn't really able to get a picture of looks just like an Asterina star, however it's arms are notably longer and skinnier.
Not noticing issues but always interested in what's in my tank so I'm very curious if anyone has an ID on this?
Managed to get an Asterina in 1 picture for scale.

20240728_084516.jpg 20240728_084600.jpg
 

ISpeakForTheSeas

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It looks different than an Asterina to me. No idea what kind it is. Its super cool though! @ISpeakForTheSeas ?
Definitely not an Aquilonastra species in this case.
The coloured side which I wasn't really able to get a picture of looks just like an Asterina star, however it's arms are notably longer and skinnier.
Pics of the top would help, as would knowing where it's from (i.e. which ocean) if you any idea. Microscope pics of both top and bottom would also be helpful if possible.

I can say it's most likely an Asteriid (taxonomic family Asteriidae) species (not to be confused with an Asterinid species, which would be from the taxonomic family Asterinidae); it may also be a (relatively) newly settled juvenile, which can make it more difficult to ID.

Most of the stars I know from the family are predators of things like bivalves (clams, scallops, oysters, mussels, etc.), snails, and small crustaceans (shrimp, crabs, hermits, barnacles, etc.) - so likely not reef-safe, but would be really cool in a sump.
 
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Bucko

Bucko

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Definitely not an Aquilonastra species in this case.

Pics of the top would help, as would knowing where it's from (i.e. which ocean) if you any idea. Microscope pics of both top and bottom would also be helpful if possible.

I can say it's most likely an Asteriid (taxonomic family Asteriidae) species (not to be confused with an Asterinid species, which would be from the taxonomic family Asterinidae); it may also be a (relatively) newly settled juvenile, which can make it more difficult to ID.

Most of the stars I know from the family are predators of things like bivalves (clams, scallops, oysters, mussels, etc.), snails, and small crustaceans (shrimp, crabs, hermits, barnacles, etc.) - so likely not reef-safe, but would be really cool in a sump.
Thanks a lot for this reply, very interesting.
Better safe than sorry so I'll assume it's not reef safe.

Unfortunately I haven't seen it pop up for a while but when I do will try to get a clear picture from the top! No microscope so I'll try to make the best possible phone pic. At least until after I submit a written request for microscope/reef toys expense approval to my wife :beaming-face-with-smiling-eyes:
 

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