Is this serpent starfish a goner?

[OZ0ne]

I placed this serpent starfish in my tank 2 weeks ago. When it was first placed it in my tank it disappeared, only to reappear this morning looking like this...Photo

What happened? Last weekend while looking for a better aesthetics, I moved my rocks around and I'm wondering if somehow it got crushed.

Will it recover? Its tentacles are moving.

It's now in the sump for easy retrieval, waiting to hear back.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

[dwest]

I placed this serpent starfish in my tank 2 weeks ago. When it was first placed it in my tank it disappeared, only to reappear this morning looking like this...Photo

What happened? Last weekend while looking for a better aesthetics, I moved my rocks around and I'm wondering if somehow it got crushed.

Will it recover? Its tentacles are moving.

It's now in the sump for easy retrieval, waiting to hear back.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

I couldn’t see the pic, but serpent stars can regenerate quite amazingly. Make sure it’s getting some food and I bet it will be fine.

 

[OZ0ne]

The word "Photo" should be clickable google photos link.

 

[dwest]

The word "Photo" should be clickable google photos link.

Yep, I saw it this time. I agree with your moving rocks assessment. I stand by my original response. I’ve had several in worse shape than that one grow back fully. Since it’s in your sump, I would keep it there for a while and make sure it gets some meaty food. When it heals up, put it back into DT.

Nice largemouth bass.

 

[ZoWhat]

If it's still moving.... just leave it alone (quit taking it out of the tank) and let it do its thing to heal. Only time will tell. But stay out of it way and let it be.

 

[OZ0ne]

Yep, I saw it this time. I agree with your moving rocks assessment. I stand by my original response. I’ve had several in worse shape than that one grow back fully. Since it’s in your sump, I would keep it there for a while and make sure it gets some meaty food. When it heals up, put it back into DT.

Nice largemouth bass.

That makes sense. Thanks again for your help. I see you noticed my other favorite hobby.

 

[Paleozoic_reefer]

Mine did this as well a few weeks ago (didn't make it). I found out my refractometer was giving wrong info so my tank was at .031 for a month! My assumption is the stress from the salinity change weakened it (and some corals) leading to their demise. So check and make sure this might not be the issue!

 

[OZ0ne]

My refractometer shows 1.026. Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates are all 0. Phosphates are at .25 (working on getting it down).

Someone else mentioned that this can happen if they are not acclimated correctly. I don't thing it this case because I drip acclimate all my livestock.