hermit ate my starfish! Need advice!!

[eaglesrx]

Just discovered my little purple starfish all torn up!!!! He's about 2.5 inches wide, I think a fromia elegans, but not 100% sure. Not as thick as a linkia, even for a small one. My hermit crab that I think is the culprit is my electric blue hermit crab.

My starfish still has 2 arms attached to what's left of his mouth and is still moving around. Looks like his organs are exposed above his mouth.

Question: 1. Should I dispose of the starfish even if his mouth is still together?

2. Has anyone ever had a hermit crab eat their starfish? What about an electric blue one?

I've heard those electric blue hermits are a little more aggressive, but, they haven't bothered anything in my tank for the last year.

Thanks in advance!!
Phu

 

[graveyardworm]

The starfish is capable of growing new limbs as long as its healthy and enough of the oral disk is intact. It is likely that the starfish was sick or starving and on its way out. The hermit was just taking advantage of the situation.

 

[eaglesrx]

Thanks for the info. I decided that the starfish was going to expire eventually. And since I have a nano, didn't want to run the risk of it crashing my tank. Well, now I know!!!