reef tank

Question
QUESTION: I have an infestation of what looks like mutant starfish . I forget the name of these , it begins with an A , is there a fish or crab that eats these and would it be safe to put in an invertebrate tank ?

ANSWER: Hi Greg,

Perhaps the word that you were thinking of, that begins with an A is (Asteroidea).

Once you find out which species of starfish you have, you can then take the necessary steps to eradicate them. Adding a fish to eradicate them is a good method, along with setting up small pest traps for manual removal.

After you determine which species of starfish you have, you can then research to find out which fish will help to eradicate them. Some examples of fish hobbyists have successfully added to help with eradication include: the six line wrasse, copper-band butterfly fish, and the harlequin shrimp, just to name a few.

Have a Happy New Year, and I wish you the best with all your saltwater aquarium endeavors!

Regards,
Dave

All Experts - Editor

http://www.ocreef.com - Director
(For $5.00 off your first online order with OCReef.com, use coupon code 5OFF during check-out.) (Serving the entire United States).



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You are close but I think they are asternia , they have 2,3,4,5 or more legs of different lengths . I think you are right about harlequin shrimp . Thanks for your time

Answer
Hi Greg,

I'm glad to have been of some help. If you do get a harlequin shrimp, let me know how it works out. Take Care.

Don't forget to visit http://www.ocreef.com in the future for all your aquarium essentials.

Regards,
Dave

All Experts - Editor

OCReef.com - Director