How do I know if my star is dead

[French Wright]

I have a blue linkia star. He has not mover in some time, but he did move a little about 12 hours ago. He has never been very mobile to begin with. He is bent in what looks like an uncomfortable position.

Also, his "seams" are open on his arms.

I did a 20% water change this weekend, with warm, aged salt water.

Is there a sure fire way to know if he has died?

 

[Sk8r]

He's dead.
The fish store should not sell a linckia to anbody without a 200g reef with old rock---period.
You really should not have any starfish in a 55g. Either they will starve because all they eat is rock film off really aged rock, like a linckia, or they will deplete your sandbed and then die of starvation.

 

[mindytoy]

so no starfish can survive under a 200gal tank??

ive seen some in 55s!

idk what they eat though

 

[French Wright]

If it was dead, wouldn't the hermits or emerals crab or other fish start eating it?no one has had a nibble yet.

 

[Sk8r]

It's possible then that it's not quite dead, if the undertakers haven't gotten to it, but without film algae to eat it's in serious trouble. Best bet: give it back to the lfs and have them put it where it can eat.

Well, the problem with starfish in 55s is that they die soon. I have a very mature 55 with lots to eat for practically everybody, but I'm not going to get a linkia, much as I'd love to have one, because I don't think I can feed it more than a couple of months.