Help!! Chocolate Chip Sea Star horns changing color

Ada1107 · Aug 31, 2023

Hello everyone! I need some help. My chocolate chip sea star’s horns started changing color yesterday. It’s still moving around and eating just fine but I’m worried that this could be an early sign of illness or stress. It’s currently happening on two of its horns but I’m not sure if it will spread. Has this happened to anyone? Does anyone know what’s going on?

Daniel@R2R · Aug 31, 2023

Bumping this up for anyone who might have info. Unfortunately, I don't have much knowledge on these guys!

Ada1107 · Sep 1, 2023

Daniel@R2R said:
Bumping this up for anyone who might have info. Unfortunately, I don't have much knowledge on these guys!

Thank you I appreciate it!

livinlifeinBKK · Sep 1, 2023

What is the feeding regimen and has it changed recently by chance? How long has it been in your care prior to this observation?

Ada1107 · Sep 1, 2023

livinlifeinBKK said:
What is the feeding regimen and has it changed recently by chance? How long has it been in your care prior to this observation?

I typically feed it 5 days a week. I alternate feeding it algae wafers and clam pieces. I’ve had it for about 5 months and haven’t had any issues. This just started 2 days ago out of the blue. Even today it’s still moving around and eating okay. I haven’t noticed any additional spots or discolorations. The problem areas haven’t gotten worse or better, it’s still the same discoloration.

livinlifeinBKK · Sep 1, 2023

It doesn't sound like reason for concern to me, given you mentioned that it's active and eating regularly. Can you post a picture? How pronounced is the color change (as in only lightening up a little or more dramatic of a change)? I'd just keep an eye on it for now.

AydenLincoln · Sep 1, 2023

Do you have photos? What are your parameters? How long have you had them? It is normal for stars spikes to change or erode overtime and they can vary in shape and sharpness depending on the location they are found.

Ada1107 · Sep 7, 2023

livinlifeinBKK said:
It doesn't sound like reason for concern to me, given you mentioned that it's active and eating regularly. Can you post a picture? How pronounced is the color change (as in only lightening up a little or more dramatic of a change)? I'd just keep an eye on it for now.

The first photo was taken the day it started and the last photo was one that was taken today. It seems to continue to lighten in color but as far as its behavior goes, it seems okay.

livinlifeinBKK · Sep 7, 2023

Ada1107 said:
The first photo was taken the day it started and the last photo was one that was taken today. It seems to continue to lighten in color but as far as its behavior goes, it seems okay.

It might be from a nutritional deficiency or something of that nature. If no detrimental signs have been observed regarding behavior, activity, willingness to eat, etc. it wouldn't be concerning to me if he were mine.