Asterina starfish
Asterina sp.
InvertebratesSaltwaterPest species
- Care level
- Easy
- Maximum size
- 1.5 cm
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The asterina starfish is a small, pale star with often unequal arms that arrives as a hitchhiker on live rock or a coral frag. It reproduces simply by splitting itself in two, so a handful of animals becomes a whole population within months.
Most specimens only graze film algae and are harmless, but some lines nibble coral tissue, especially zoanthids and encrusting corals. If you see damage, pick them out by hand or add a harlequin shrimp, which eats nothing but starfish.
Natural predators
Related species
Keep Asterina starfish in the BlubHub app
Add this species to your inhabitants, with count and photos, and see the care info next to your own water values, target bands and reminders. Free, no account, everything on your own device.
Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.