Asterina Starfish - Asterina sp

Asterina Starfish: Natural Algae Control for Your Reef Aquarium & a Tasty Harlequin Shrimp Snack

Introducing the Asterina Starfish, a small and usually beneficial addition to your reef aquarium. These tiny starfish play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy aquatic environment by consuming algae and detritus, helping to keep your tank clean and balanced.

Key Features:

1. Natural Algae Control: Harness the natural algae-controlling abilities of the Asterina Starfish. These small but voracious grazers feed primarily on algae, including green film algae and diatoms, helping to prevent algae overgrowth and maintain water quality in your reef aquarium.

2. Generally Harmless to Corals: There are many species of Asterina starfish, most of which are harmless algae and detritivores, though you occasionally see anecdotes of them consuming corals. This particular species has been kept in a heavily stocked reef system for years, and has never been seen on a coral.

3. Low Maintenance: Benefit from the low-maintenance nature of the Asterina Starfish. These hardy and adaptable creatures require minimal care and thrive in well-established reef aquariums with stable water parameters. Regular feeding and occasional supplementation may be necessary to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

4. Reproduce In Tank: Asterina stars will readily reproduce in your tank through fission, and may reach huge populations in time

5. Harlequin Shrimp Food: Harlequin shrimp are obligate starfish predators, consuming only the tube feet of of sea stars. Though they should still be supplied with larger stars such as Chocolate Chip Stars, asterina are an affordable easy to culture supplement. 

Care Instructions:

• Difficulty Level: Beginner. Asterina Starfish are easy to care for and are suitable for reef aquariums of all levels.

• Aquarium Size: Suitable for reef aquariums of all sizes. Asterina Starfish can thrive in small nano reefs as well as larger reef systems.

• Water Parameters: Maintain stable water conditions with a temperature range of 75-78°F (24-26°C), pH level of 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity of 1.023-1.025. Regular water changes and diligent maintenance are essential for optimal health and well-being.

• Feeding: While Asterina Starfish primarily graze on algae, they may benefit from occasional supplementation with small meaty foods such as chopped shrimp or fish. However, they can survive solely on the algae present in the aquarium.

Maximum Size: Asterina Starfish typically reach a maximum size of approximately 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) in diameter.