Mass starfish death. ????

[originalozzyo]

I HAD two really nice red starfish, one marbled red and white and one normal red/orange color. I bought a big blue linkia and did the proper acclimation like i always do when adding an invert that is very sensitive. The blue linkia died in a day and then my other starfish began dying within a week and i watched them basically dissolve. Are the parasites or types of viruses that only attack certian starfish because i'm kind of at a loss as to why those died but my burgundy serpent star did just fine.

 

[Elysia]

Serpent stars often are detrivores or are willing to eat the foods fed to fish in reef tanks. Often, it isn't known what the "classic" starfish eat. Some are suspected to eat organic films, which may not be in adequate supply in a tank. I don't know why yours died. There are parasites of starfish -- certain snails. I believe I have read that tears in the body can lead to severe problems in their vascular system, which can lead to death. Other causes of death in the hobby are starvation and changes in salinity, I believe.

You can check out these articles:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-12/rs/index.php

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/ac/feature/index.php

 

[mscarpena]

I would think 3 stars are too many for a 155 anyway. You should only have one large or 2 small ones in your tank. Obviously that is not what killed them all. I would imagine that some sort of star fish parasite did get entered through the addition of the blue linka. Sorry for your losses and better luck next time. Star fish are very interesting and beautiful, but try only one or two. I would also say that your blue linka was probably doomed when you bought him.

 

[adambirk]

i have never had a blue linka but i know a guy who has tried to keep 3 of these (at different times) and everyone has died. he has been able to keep sand stars, brittle stars, and others. i have also heard of lots of others that have had hard times keeping them. makes you wonder if they are more prone to disease than other stars. maybe some one with more experiance will chime in and let us know. i like the look but tend to try and stay away from species that i have heard lots of negatives about.

 

[originalozzyo]

Won't be making the mistake of ever buying a blue linkia again. Feel somewhat sad since i had that marbled starfish for quite a long time. Over 4 years i believe. Oh well, lesson learned.

 

[minirex4777]

do not handle them

do not handle them

I bought two my second is happy and healthy.My first is dead,a tear then white flesh then disenagrated. they are very sensitive creatures who must be acclimated very slowly and never touched by humans the oils on your hands will kill them but say you dont handle them you should make sure to let it stabalize at the pet store then after two mnths of waiting yes two mnths bring it home.he must have food which means plenty of sponge.its got to be everywere since they are prone to starveing themselves from stress.so stress is the key with these animals more than most.if one survives without these methods count yourself lucky but it had nothing to do with why the other died unless the food source became inadequit with more starfish or the bacteria from ones death causedn another all is poss just be careful and you can have a starfish