Starfish question

tdowning · Mar 9, 2019

anyone have any idea what’s going on with my sandsifting starfish. Not sure where his arms are disappearing too. Sorry for the blues.

Bob Loblaw · Mar 9, 2019

James M · Mar 9, 2019

Can’t tell you exactly what’s going on
How big is the tank ?
How long have you had it ?
Are you feeding it ?

tdowning · Mar 9, 2019

James M said:
Can’t tell you exactly what’s going on
How big is the tank ?
How long have you had it ?
Are you feeding it ?

150 gallons, I feed the tank 2-3 times a day. Tanks been up and running for about 14 months and the starfish has been in there the entire time. Should I be target feeding him when he comes out of the sand? Last thing I want to do is starve him.

James M · Mar 9, 2019

I want start giving it food directly.

Bob Loblaw · Mar 9, 2019

redfishbluefish · Mar 9, 2019

Most starfish are meat-eaters....and your sand-sifter definitely is. Your guy might be too far gone....however, I wouldn't give up. I'd recommend picking up a couple clams from the grocery store/fish monger, and chop into good size pieces and try target feeding one piece. An easy way to handle/shuck clams it to freeze them. This makes shucking easier and chopping into pieces. Otherwise they are slimy and slippery and hard to cut.

67chevellemalibu2 · Mar 9, 2019

Starfish are hit or miss. I’ve lost three in a year. The only one left is a Chocolate Chip that has gotten huge eating the fresh clams on the shell. It will be the last starfish I keep.