Starfish/Zoos??????

[trigger99]

I have some very small 1/4 inch things in my Zoo tank which resemble baby starfish. They are very small and whiteish in color. I always see them around my zoo rocks and wonder if they are eating my zoos. One particular colony seems to be eroding somewhat.
Anyone have an idea if theses are bad for a zoo tank?

Thanks

 

[Hawkeye]

pics?

the starfish based on textual description sound like asterina starfish (google it to see if that is what you have).

 

[trigger99]

Phil, yes , that is exactly what I have based on the Goggle search. Unquestionably, I have seen a degrading of a Zoa colony where the asternia seems to stay. Everything I just read says they should be removed. Is this the case??
Thanks

 

[Hawkeye]

it's arguable...I have countless asterina and I can't stop my zoos from colonizing the whole tank. The only thing that stops em are them shrooms which are out of control also.

More likely - the zoas may be being impacted by something else and the asterinas are cleaning up?

I dunno..if you think they are problematic/cause - may as well get some tongs are gloves and grab em.

 

[Subliminal]

I've heard some of these lil stars have a taste for zoos. Mine don't seem to bother them, but I know some people grab them off the glass and flush them on site due to their occasional eating habits.

 

[blange3]

Check out this thread on RC:

Zoo Dip

I've used it as a preventative treatment and never had a problem. Also remember to handle zoos with gloves and be careful. They are toxic.

Some other good zoo links as well:

Zoanthid Information