Sand sifting star

[lakelanson]

Thanks guys - much appreciated, just never seen it happen before - but looks quite cool actually!

 

[boogers]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10860791#post10860791 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by edandsandy
It probably is hungry, I HAD some in my tank, they starting losing their legs because there was not enough to eat. It was sad because I love starfish. Good luck!

In the last week mine has lost all its legs. They're not gone all the way, but they are shorter. Like something chopped them off or something. Is that what you are talking about when you say it lost it's legs?I've had him for about a year now. I always thought starfish would regenerate the legs. Is that true?
Thanks
Sandra

 

[clayspst]

i have two in a 110 reef no issues they climb the glass

 

[LeslieH]

Stars regenerate their legs when they're healthy. When the legs disintegrate like that it's due to stress or disease or starvation or predation - maybe even a combination of them all. Since they have slow metabolisms some can last without food for a long time - over a year in some cases - before they start showing signs of distress.

Here's an information-packed article on echinoderms in aquarium, food requirements, etc. It may be too late for your current star but you can read up on them before you decide about getting another.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-12/rs/index.php