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-   -   Brad, I think I might need a harlequin.. (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=4798)

EmilyB 05-16-2003 07:50 AM

Brad, I think I might need a harlequin..
 
Seems those white innocent stars have invaded... :eek:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/beans666/...SC00005_rs.JPG

Aquattro 05-16-2003 08:06 AM

scoop them out and send them over!!

Bob I 05-16-2003 03:37 PM

I can't seem to tell from the picture, but are you talking about those multi-armed small hitchiker stars? Has there been a determination if they are harmful or not? :confused:

EmilyB 05-16-2003 09:47 PM

The rocks were just covered with them, and I am pretty certain now they are munching on the coraline. :mad: My first hint was when they moved off the rock and there were all these little white marks..... :eek:

I just can't imagine how long it would take me to pick these things off one by one.....I can't even reach most places in the tank. Maybe a glob of gum on a stick... :lol:

Aquattro 05-16-2003 10:21 PM

I think the gum on a stick might work great!!

Van down by the river 05-16-2003 10:42 PM

Emily you always seem to have something interesting going on! You've definitely got a blue thumb.Next time you are in Vancouver I'll get you to "bless" my tank :biggrin: What you have looks like a Asterina sp.
maybe Asterina burtoni Generally they are considered harmless. Many of the species range from 20mm to 50mm so they will stay small. You have a "bloom" of them because either one divided by it's oral disc, or more likely the parent star was brooding young. Little is known about their reproduction so They may be able to reproduce asexually. They are noted as general detritus feeders and shouldn't be a threat to anything large. You may find that wrasses or larger fish pick off the odd one.

Anyways, if you are looking for new homes for them let me know. I've always got a place for little critters. If you can get something closer up I will check more sources.

So what will you post next week?

Aquattro 05-16-2003 11:24 PM

Van, Em had given me some of these already and yes, they are asterina sp. stars. Cute litle suckers, although I have seen them scraping corraline from the glass. No biggie though, I have lots of corraline.

EmilyB 05-17-2003 12:08 AM

I'm running out of starfish stories..... :wink:

CAUTION: HORRIBLE PHOTOS TO FOLLOW.. :eek:

I always thought they were white, but obviously not. Whiter on the underside tho.

Splendid macro photography here... :rolleyes:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bhadford1/starclose.JPG

They are kind of amusing at times....cute little fella's

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bhadford1...SC00009_rs.JPG

Notice the strangely "star shaped" white marks after they leave the rock...

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bhadford1...SC00002_rs.JPG

Van down by the river 05-17-2003 12:39 AM

I'm curious if coralline is there "first choice" food or if they are eating it as they can't find anything else. Have you noticed anything else they seem to like? What about you Reef_raf same behaviour in your tank?
Maybe I can get a few from you next time you are in Van.

EmilyB 05-17-2003 01:06 AM

mine spend a lot of time on the back and side glass as well (where I clean less). I presume they are grazing algae there. Then they seem to crash for a sleep on the rock and a lazy coraline munch......


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