Help with Serpent Star

[Yorto]

Hey! Returning to the hobby after many years away. Wow! Things are different.

OK....I just got a serpent starfish. Never had one before. I know they are nocturnal. However, the moment mine entered the tank, it found a good hiding place in a small conch shell. That was two days ago. It hasn't ventured out at all. I even placed some uncooked shrimp into the opening of the shell, and the crabs sniffed it out and pulled it away.

I have a three stage coralife light. I thought it would at least come out when the moon/lunar lights came on, but no show. I picked up the shell to confirm that it is still alive, and it is.

This evening, as I write this, the room is completely dark. I did one last check on the tank, and it is still in hiding. So, what do you think? Don't worry? This is normal for them to get "comfortable" before coming out of hiding? Is it going to starve?

I'd just like to see it.

Your input and shared knowledge is greatly appreciated.

Dave Yorto

 

[NanaReefer]

Totally normal. They are nocturnal and night feeders. Not the type of Starfish if your looking for entertainment.

 

[Yorto]

Thanks for the reply Nana!

I'm not looking for the entertainment value, just want to see it working the tank, even if it is 2 o'clock in the morning. I know I won't see it during the day.

I can't believe it will just stay in that shell.

-Yorto

 

[Cyndi & Jim]

Completely normal.

 

[d2mini]

If it never moves, that's weird.
But it is still new and getting used to it's new home so give it a little time.

FWIW, all my serpents come running out for food when I feed the tank. Doesn't matter what time of day.
But then they immediately go running back into the rocks.

 

[Diesel]

I had two reds from Tampa Bay Saltwater about 2" a cross, never saw them for months and after two years to rebuild the tank I found them almost I guess 15" across if not bigger................... monsters!!.
Now the reside in my large 100 gallon sump for the frag system.
They are awesome cleaners but sometimes you need to feed the silverslides.

 

[d2mini]

I had two reds from Tampa Bay Saltwater about 2" a cross, never saw them for months and after two years to rebuild the tank I found them almost I guess 15" across if not bigger................... monsters!!.
Now the reside in my large 100 gallon sump for the frag system.
They are awesome cleaners but sometimes you need to feed the silverslides.

Those were the red brittle stars, right?
Those guys are monster stars. I sold one and keep the other in my frag tank. I was never 100% sure on exactly how opportunistic they were, if you catch my drift. haha

 

[kireek]

I have had a red and a black variety in my display tank for several years.Once in a while I see them come out earlier for food.Usually during the day I will not see them at all, give or take a tentacle. Make certain none of your fish are picking at it,wrasses in particular.

 

[sprinklerdudes]

I received one several years ago from a person in pell city, it was black and about 8" across, I put it in the tank, and did not see it for weeks. one night I looked over and there was a arm hanging out of the tank, we lost everything in the tank after a storm and no power for several weeks, when I pulled him out, he was bigger than a dinner plate, yet could hide under a piece of live rock unnoticed.

 

[tonto95]

They like to hide while its getting settled. Once comfortable, it will come out when you feed it. Mine comes out and gets the shrimp placed for in then back into hiding.