Serpent star spewing red stuff

[fishylad]

I just did a 10% water change and about an hour later my serpent star started was towards the top of the tank. Which I never see. He then came out into plain view like he was trying to get out of the tank and spewed out all kinds of Red chalky stuff and his body mass went down a lot.

That made the tank cloudy and my skimmer is going nuts. It pulled more in the last 30 mins than the last 2 weeks. The bubbles fill the entire neck with very large bubbles.

What is happening?

Do I need to do something?

Please let me know.

 

[LeslieH]

It was spawning - normal behavior. The behavior might have been brought on by the water change or it may just be coincidence. As long as your skimmer wasn't overwhelmed everything should be okay.

 

[fishylad]

Very cool, Thank you. That makes me feel much better.

How often do they do this and what if I introduce another? Will they breed successfully or is it not likely?

 

[LeslieH]

The frequency of spawning varies between species. Some coral reef species synchronize with the corals once or twice a year while others can reproduce year round. Another one would certainly help as both eggs & sperm are needed to produce viable offspring. Success is usually not likely. First most of the eggs are picked off by other animals or by filters & skimmers, then the remaining larvae need the right food & water conditions. But you could get lucky - see this post:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=6830050#post6830050

 

[fishylad]

So that means the stars are asexual? (been along time since BIO class)

Since the chances are slim, would it help, if when I see it again, to turn off the skimmer?
If so how long should I leave it off for?
Anything else I can do to increase the chances?
How long before I see results if it does work?

 

[LeslieH]

No, this is sexual since eggs & sperm are produced. When they split off an arm that's asexial.

As for the rest, you'll have to find someone who has successfully raised them to get answers, sorry! I'm a marine biologist, not a reefer.

 

[fishylad]

LeslieH, you have been VERY helpful and taught me much about this, Thank you.:rollface:

So they do realease eggs and sperm at the same time?

Does anyone have experience in breeding star fish?

 

[LeslieH]

thanks back. I learn a lot from reefers.
An individual will usually release eggs & sperm at different times.

 

[SLOANMAN]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6845206#post6845206 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LeslieH
No, this is sexual since eggs & sperm are produced. When they split off an arm that's asexial.

As for the rest, you'll have to find someone who has successfully raised them to get answers, sorry! I'm a marine biologist, not a reefer.

LOL