Is he DEAD???

[aiber]

I purchased a brittle star 2 weeks ago. When I got home I acclimated using drip method and placed the brittle star into the tank. He quickly scurried underneath the rocks.

Since then I have NEVER seen him. First I thought he was hiding but I have checked at night with a flashlight and absolutely no sign of him anywhere. Not even one of his arms, ever. I have tried feeding at night only to still see the pellets on the sand the following morning. All I have are a couple of snails and two emerald crabs in the tank and these starfish are supposed to be hardy. All of the other inverts seem to be doing great.

Is there still hope that he is still alive and just shy? Any tips you suggest to entice him to come out?

Thanks

 

[Gladmaker]

Probably buried somewhere. I have a cucumber that I gave up on since I didn't see him for 2 weeks. Yesterday he came out of hiding and was exploring. The star will probably do the same.

 

[Ryan Darilek]

I think we ALL have had this thought a few times. I've got two in my tank and very rarely ever see them. Every once in awhile you'll see him and lose your mind... Then you'll go another month or two without any trace of him. I don't think you'll be able to entice him out with food until he's much larger

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[aiber]

I think we ALL have had this thought a few times. I've got two in my tank and very rarely ever see them. Every once in awhile you'll see him and lose your mind... Then you'll go another month or two without any trace of him. I don't think you'll be able to entice him out with food until he's much larger

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LOL. What is he eating?

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Not uncommon at all. They're nocturnal but even then, depending on how much live rock is in the tank, you may not even see them at night. They can fit into the smallest cracks and crevices.

 

[Gladmaker]

LOL. What is he eating?

Probably what he's finding in the sand or around the rocks.

 

[Ryan Darilek]

Might want to be feeding the tank some occasional brine, which will makes its way to him as well as help produce algae for your other guys

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