anyway to save a starfish?

[MaineReef88]

Hey guys, I recently got a orange linkia starfish from an online dealer, He arrived in pretty rough shape (unlike the first one I got who is doing great) This one arrived with brown spots on him and he was sorta mushy, I got a credit for him, but realised he is still alive, but he is rotting away, and an arm fell off, Is there anything I can do for him? or not. He is in my quarentine tank alone. Will he cause problems for the water?? I really dont want to take him out and dispose of him while he is alive? Any thoughts? I ASSUME he is alive as he is still clinging to the glass, and moves a little each day.

 

[Airwolf75]

I had a similar problem with a fromia starfish, and I did dip it in Reef Dip, and it appeared to slow down the spread of the infection. It never really cured it, as in a week it would start up again , and then vanish after another dip. The starfish eventually died. So all I can tell you for sure is that Seachem Reef Dip did notappear to harm the starfish, and appeared to help open wounds, so if you think it's going down hill try it. Since I couldn't find anything else to do either.

 

[Koshmar]

If it is a localized infection, say on one arm, you can take a clean razor blade, cut off the arm and apply lugol's iodine to the wound. The iodine will hault infection most of the time. Just a drop or two, obviously out of water. The wound should ceal up and the star will make a recovery most likely. If it is not a localized infection, the chances of survival are very bleek.

 

[MaineReef88]

Thanks for your help, but I am affraid it came too late.
I dont think it would have helped as I dont believe it was a localized infection, it was several legs.
But now I know how to try and help one if it ever happens again,
witch I hope it wont!
I have a red Starfish arriving tomorrow, Fingers crossed he makes the trip!
Thanks again!