Feeding Sea Stars (Gastrula Stage)

[Jsin]

Hi, I am work with starfish the species Astirina Miniata. I am a graduate student and I research their fertilization pathway. Once the eggs become fertilized, we don't continue to grow them, we use them immediately for research. We have let some grow to make sure that the new batch of starfish we received can develop properly. The little guys are cuurently in the gastrula stage and we need to feed them. My question is what should I feed them, they are only about 200 microns. I have some PhycoPure for some corals but I don't know if that would do that job. I also have cyclopeze, reefbugs, and some other various stuff. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[mscarpena]

I would try reef bugs because it has a bunch of stuff in it. Also it would be helpful to know what they eat in their natural habitat. I'm sorry to say, but were not all having as much fun as you are researching starfish. So a little more background info would be good.

 

[Jsin]

They eat single celled algae in their natural habitat, so I am really wondering about phyto and zooplankton. I'm not sure what type of background info you would like, What I am specifically doing with the starfish is that I am looking at the proteins on the surface of the egg cell that are important during fertilization. Also this is Jsin's other half. He suggested that I post here to get some suggestions.