Please help!

[MarkAshlee2021]

Hi everybody, can anyone please help?! I bought a red starfish today, with black tips, I acclimatised it properly and didnt expose it to out of water, he has been at the bottom of the tank all day(14 hours and has moved very slightly) it has tiny tentacles sticking out, I don't know whether it still alive, do they take a while before they start moving around or is it more than likely dead or dying? Thank you in advance.

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

A picture would help. Also, star fish aren't exactly the energizer bunny. I have sand sifters that I go a whole week without seeing. He may just be hanging out getting used to the new home. He may be feasting on something you can't see. Tentacles are usually a good sign.

 

[PicassoClown04]

Tentacles on the bottom is good. Sounds like you have a black tip fromia? Usually starfish need very developed live rock to find enough food to get by or need to be target fed. Was the starfish flat when you bought it or were the tips curled up slightly?

 

[MarkAshlee2021]

Hi everybody, can anyone please help?! I bought a red starfish today, with black tips, I acclimatised it properly and didnt expose it to out of water, he has been at the bottom of the tank all day(14 hours and has moved very slightly) it has tiny tentacles sticking out, I don't know whether it still alive, do they take a while before they start moving around or is it more than likely dead or dying? Thank you in advance.

The tentacles are tiny but definitely there, it has probably moved a couple of millimetres all day. Just hoping it is alright.

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

All my starfish usually curl their "tips" when they are on the prowl. I would take that as another positive sign.

 

[MarkAshlee2021]

Tentacles on the bottom is good. Sounds like you have a black tip fromia? Usually starfish need very developed live rock to find enough food to get by or need to be target fed. Was the starfish flat when you bought it or were the tips curled up slightly?

I'd I'm honest I can't remember, he was definitely alive though, my tank is just over a year old.

 

[MarkAshlee2021]

All my starfish usually curl their "tips" when they are on the prowl. I would take that as another positive sign.

Thanks for replying, do you think it will be OK?

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

I think it is way to early to be definitive, but my bet would be yes.you can try an experiment. Gently move him so that he is at an angle slightly against the side of the tank and watch for him to level out.

 

[MarkAshlee2021]

I think it is way to early to be definitive, but my bet would be yes.you can try an experiment. Gently move him so that he is at an angle slightly against the side of the tank and watch for him to level out.

OK I'll try it, lights are off now but I'll try when they are on, I'll message you the outcome if OK? Thanks for your help I really appreciate it

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

I would try when their off. Mine are most active in the dark / dusk. I do not have your specific species though.

 

[MarkAshlee2021]

I would try when their off. Mine are most active in the dark / dusk. I do not have your specific species though.

OK I'll do it now then, I'll let you know

 

[MarkAshlee2021]

I would try when their off. Mine are most active in the dark / dusk. I do not have your specific species though.

Hi I have witnessed it move ( not much) but definitely moved a couple of its legs so hopefully it will be OK. Thank you very much for helping me out. Really appreciate it. Top man

 

[PicassoClown04]

Hi I have witnessed it move ( not much) but definitely moved a couple of its legs so hopefully it will be OK. Thank you very much for helping me out. Really appreciate it. Top man

Personally, I would turn the flow off and put food right next to it. Who knows if it was eating before you bought it, it could be on the brink of starvation

 

[MarkAshlee2021]

Personally, I would turn the flow off and put food right next to it. Who knows if it was eating before you bought it, it could be on the brink of starvation

Yeah suppose you are right, bloke at my lfs is a bit of a nob so probably wouldn't surprise me if he sold me a dodgy one knowingly lol

 

[MarkAshlee2021]

Yeah suppose you are right, bloke at my lfs is a bit of a nob so probably wouldn't surprise me if he sold me a dodgy one knowingly lol

 

[MarkAshlee2021]

Hi just letting you know the starfish has moved over night. Thanks for helping me out.

 

[Poof No Eyebrows]

Looks just fine to me!