Starfish

[Ricko]

The longest i have ever been able to keep starfish alive is approx 9mths, then for no apparent reason they start to break up and die.

Does anyone know what i'm doing wrong??

 

[Reefscape]

The longest i have ever been able to keep starfish alive is approx 9mths, then for no apparent reason they start to break up and die.

Does anyone know what i'm doing wrong??

You are not alone..Its very common for this to happen in the home aquaria. Its usually down to lack of food or incorrect diet provided.

 

[Ricko]

That's a relief (not for the animal i guess).

 

[Reefscape]

Its one of the reasons i never recomend starfish to be added...seen so many of these die of starvation over the years....

 

[kay-bee]

This is mainly in regards to linckia's, fromia's, sand-sifters and the like?

Would it be safe to say that star's such as the serpent stars or brittlestars are the exception?

 

[Reefscape]

Serpent and brittles are slightly different as they are not so picky on foods they will eat, and are naturaly more of a scavenger than sea stars like linkia and fromia..

 

[Ricko]

This is mainly in regards to linckia's, fromia's, sand-sifters and the like?

Would it be safe to say that star's such as the serpent stars or brittlestars are the exception?

Possibly, i have had my Green Brittle star for two years!

 

[BIGgourami]

fromia are herbivores, no?

really like them, looking to add 1-2 to my 75

 

[Reefscape]

fromia are herbivores, no?

really like them, looking to add 1-2 to my 75

Not neccesarily no..Quite a lot of fromia offered in the trade are omnivores. A couple which are documented to be strict herbivores are elegans and monilis.

 

[Mantis411]

if i was planning on keeping any of thses starfish would they require special feeding and if so what kind of food items should be offered?