starfish

[Fishyscientist]

I've been reading about starfish, and many don't recommend the linckia species because they eventually die. Are there any colorful starfish that are pretty hardy? I don't plan to add one until my tank has been established. I'm just in the research stage. Any advice is welcome!

 

[guppy74]

I had a Serpent Sea Star and it was cool but it died not sure what happened to it I think from reding posts that it was do to its diet. I think they need to be spot fed. If I'm wrong my appoligies. But it was cool I may get another one. There is one I like its called a Blue and Pink Sea Star. Check it out here. http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=497+528+2722&pcatid=2722

 

[Guygettnby]

serpent and brittle stars are about the most hardiest stars that are reef safe and will last. they both are scavengers, the serpent eats what food falls on the ground and scavenges the rest of the time. the brittle will actually catch food as you drop it in the tank, aswell as scavenge the rest of the time.

both of these are good choices and can come in pretty cool colors.

 

[Fishyscientist]

Thanks for your replies!! I was looking at red general stars too. Are they hardy? Or are they similar to linckia stars?

 

[guppy74]

Fishy,
Your welcome and here is a good site with a little info on the care level needed for various stars and other Marine, as well as Fresh water life.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=497+528

 

[Reefguy51]

I've had 2 serpent stars and 2 sand sifting stars for 8 months and have yet to feed them anything directly and they are still alive and thriving. Have tried the linckia species a couple times one red and then a blue one but both started to dissolve and died in a very short time.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

I've got a harlequin serpant star. It's mainly nocturnal, but it's a got a pretty black and tan striped body.

 

[Reefer577]

Red serpent stars are very nice, but you have to be careful how they are collected. If they are not collected carefully they tend to die and get infections very easily.

All the serpent stars hide a lot so you won't see much of them anyway. Just a leg here and there during feeding time. ;]

 

[Salamander]

I've had 2 serpent stars and 2 sand sifting stars for 8 months and have yet to feed them anything directly and they are still alive and thriving.

I highly doubt the SS stars are thriving. More likely dieing a slow lingering death from starvation. SS stars are one of the many creatures that should remain in the sea.