Sand Sifting Starfish

[Sherri]

I've had this sand sifting starfish for about 8-9 months with no probs. Yesterday I looked in the tank and one of its' arms was a bit "chewed" up. About a month ago I noticed the tip of one of its' arm was gone. Any idea what would go after it? Something under the sand maybe? Will it fix itself or is it maimed for life?!! I've had no new additions. Also, I bought 2 plants (shaving brushes) and set them into the sand. About a week later, I noticed one of them was pulled down under the sand. Pulled it out and the stalk had been consumed. Well...the other plant got it yesterday.

Could a pistol shrimp be a suspect? I think I have one...Thanks

[StephenA]

What kind of crabs do you have?

[Sherri]

2 - what I call "hijackers" that came in the LR when stocking my tank...in fact, just bought a crab trap - they've been in there for a long time....one is small w/tiny claws...one has red eyes and is a little larger...it also has smaller claws compared to the hijacker fiddler crab I got out about a year ago. Didn't start stocking tank till I got that thing out - had a huge claw. Think maybe it's those guys?

[RobertG]

Sheri, my sifter star had same deal. It did eventually grow back. I did lose one though.

[Sherri]

Ever figure out what did it Robert? Man....had this guy for a long time....bothers nobody! And he is a good size.

[RobertG]

I never figured it out, one just died off. The other has been healthy. It was puzzling I dont think I had anything eating at him. The arm just grew back. Hes been fine since. Is this there way of fighting off illness? Cut the bad off. Thats what I came up with. Would be nice to know though...

[Ram_Puppy]

the red eyed crab sound suspiciously like Joshua's Gorrila Crabs... mantis food! :)

[StephenA]

The Crab

[dan]

oh ya the crab!!

[Sherri]

Well, can't be a mantis then (the clicking I hear after lights out) - must be a pistol shrimp. That red eyed crab has been there for a while...starting to grow. Guess I set the trap then.

[Sherri]

Well...well..well...last night after lights out - took a flashlight & located my starfish & there was my peppermint shrimp picking at his wounded arm. Don't know if he was the main culprit or just a follower.....but did catch him in action.