Starfish bad??

[RayAllen]

I was sitting staring at my tank a minute ago because the Atininc lights just came on. When inspecting a shroom rock I noticed a black arm with little spine things on it. After closer inspection it has more that one leg and is a star fish. The body is tiny but if all legs are spread out its probably the width of a quater. Anyone know if this thing is ok?

[RayAllen]

I find new things in my aquarium everyday!

[Headless_donkey]

Those are cool. Some places even sell them as clean up crew. If I am not mistaken you have described a brittle star.

[RayAllen]

you are correct, after a search on the web- it seems to be the Ophiomastix variabilis.

[Bill S]

I have thousands of them... They get to about a quarter size, including legs.

[Jynxgirl]

Its always an adventure in this hobby. I love seeing these little stars. If you see one, you probably have more. If you have moonlights and watch your tank at night, you will come across them more and more. They reproduce easy in aquariums.

Jill

[RayAllen]

sweet! Cool to find new critters especially when they are not bad.

[Bill S]

What's REALLY cool is that, so far, my Harlequin shrimp are feasting on my asterinia stars, but leaving these guys alone. I gotta think their feet are too small. When I feed late in the evening, the number of arms hanging out of holes waving around is staggering!