Red Fromia

[Grammy1086]

I have a Red Fromia starfish that has been injured. Pretty bad from the look of it. I am not sure what happened but one of its legs has been severed from what appears to be the very center. It is very much alive and moves about the tank. What gets me is the severed leg is also moving about the tank.( like something out of a science fiction movie!) I know they will grow appendages back, but why is the leg moving and what can I expect to happen? Janet

 

[sjfishguy]

This usually means the starfish is dying. Especially with the red fromia, it is almost certainly from starvation. You need a very large tank with a lot of live rock to keep fromias and linkias alive for more than a few months. How big is your tank? How long have you had the star?

 

[Grammy1086]

The tank is 65 gal w/ a good amount of live rock (roughly a year old ) Have had fromia about a month. Seems to be regenerating.

 

[jddaniel]

A 65g tank is very small for this species of starfish. They need LARGE amounts of microscopic algae for long term success. I have seen them survive in 90g reefs, but not much smaller for any length of time. Be sure to do your research BEFORE purchasing any aquatic life for proper care and environment requirements. Maybe there is someone local who has a larger system that can provide this star with a fighting chance?

 

[sjfishguy]

I agree with above. 65 is probably too small, 90 is about the smallest you can go to keep linkias and fromias long term. Hopefully it works out for you though, just keep this in mind for next time.