star question

[josh112990]

i bought a condy nem from petco and a little red star fish came with it and over the weekend i had to go away so i had my friend watch the tank and he took it upon himself to cut a leg off the star is it true that the leg that was cut will regenerate into a whole new star fish? the one leg is moving around the tank and still alive and the original star fish is doing ok. needless to say he wont be watching my tank again but my main concern is what should i do? any feed back is greatly appreciated thanks

 

[greenbean36191]

Only a few species of sea star can regenerate a whole new body from a fragment of a single leg, even then it only happens when the animal is in good health prior to the injury and well-fed afterward. That usually isn't the case in captivity.

Just leave the leg in the tank and it will either die in a few weeks or regenerate

 

[josh112990]

if it does grow it back how long should it take an what do you suggest to feed it at this time?

 

[josh112990]

wow no more responses thats strange

 

[greenbean36191]

If the leg starts to regenerate you'll see healing within a month or so.

As for what to feed it, the diets of most reef safe stars are unknown and they don't usually take to target feeding.