Always Curious About Why You Shouldn't allow Starfish to hit Air

[Midus]

What exactly happens?

 

[talon4x4]

I've heard this for sponges, but not starfish. I have a sandsifting, brittle and serpent. All 3 hit the air when I put them in the tank and 5 months later all 3 are still alive.

 

[greenbean36191]

Absolutely nothing. It's a myth that probably came about when people were grasping at straws trying to explain why their new stars mysteriously died.

 

[Echidna09]

It's a really stupid thing actually. I don't understand why most websites that sell them say it. The majority of starfish live in the intertidal zone, which will be exposed to air during low tide. Therefore it is perfectly fine for them to be out of the water for a fair amount of time.

 

[Grins]

I've heard the oils from your hand is the issue, not the air.

 

[greenbean36191]

Again, just a myth.

 

[Grins]

Thanks GB.