Sea Star (Feather Star)

[brainwashed]

I'm truly stumped on this one. Today while at the lfs we found a feather star. We've done some reading on them and have always wanted one. Well we bought him, but I'm truly stumped now. While setting him free today he swam into the back of the aquarium and somehow part of him detached. At first I just figured it was type of defense (which I think that right now). After starting to pull it out I noticed it moving, I figured why not leave it in there. Then while feeding the feather star I noticed the small piece that had fallen off started eating, now it is moving around the aquarium. I cant find any documentation about this, anyone want to shed some light on this one for me?

Thanks
Josh

 

[CaveManNOhio]

Did just an arm break off or did it break off at the mouth as well. Every thing I have read and heard once they start to break apart they are on their way out. Also when you moved him from acclimation to tank did you leave it in water. They need that to support their limbs. They are very fragile and can break off very easy.
I have one and when they got him out of the tank at the lfs one of his arms lost a very small tip getting it off the rock. It did conitnue to move but a little while later it stopped. I figure it was just nerves that hadn't died yet.

 

[romunov]

There's no way we are able to provide the flow and food for these animals. They should be left in the ocean.