Star ?

[ansonluna]

Is it normal for an orange star to lie upside down (feet facing up) at the bottom of the tank? I have never had one before. I was told these are hard to keep. Bought it from Felipe yesterday and dripped him for 2 hrs before introducing him to the tank. Skin looks ok, but just laying there. He was at the top of the tank 3 hrs ago, went to look again and now at the bottom.

[JimD]

No, its not normal, flip it over and keep an eye on it. yes, they can be very difficult.

[scuba_steveo]

Not normal. 2 hour drip is way too short for a star. But it is probably way longer than it was dripped at the LFS. This goes back to my post last week about only buying stars in the bag. Watch it close. If it starts to melt pull it out.

[ansonluna]

OK, I'm officially an idiot. I just finished reading the dying starfish posts. I didn't even pay attention to it because I thought I wouldn't get one anytime soon. Well I did a impulse buy....maybe he will do okay. For those of you who are religious....start praying....I'm will be :angel .

[JimD]

If it survives, what do you plan to feed it?

[ansonluna]

You're just gonna make me reveal my ignrance and suffer aren't you <_< , I already admitted I was an IDIOT. I'll make it easy on everyone, I HAVE NO CLUE :innocent . I thought they ate whatever they found, a.k.a. scavengers. What should I feed him, I would really appreciate the input and "schooling"?

[Thunderkat]

Orange Sea Star
(Echunaster sp.)
Quick Stats
Care Level: Easy
Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4; dKH 8-12
Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 3"
Color Form: Orange, Red
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Echinasteridae



The color of the Orange Sea Star, or Starfish, may range from orange to red. It is sometimes called the Red Sea Star. It can have a variety of surface textures depending upon the locale. Some Echinaster Sea Stars have 6 arms.

It prefers a sandy, coral rubble substrate, or, especially live rock with algae. It moves over the surface, eating the small microbes and other bits of common detritus. A larger specimen could be harmful to clams, sponges, and small anemones in the reef aquarium.

The Orange Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerability to changes in water chemistry. It should never be exposed to air while handling.

In the aquarium, supplement with dried seaweed, and small pieces of clam meat, or tablets which can be placed under the starfish.

[ansonluna]

10 out of 12 ain't bad. I was showing my girlfriend how cool it was and had it laid out on my hand exposed to the open air. I wonder if it will die...... :unsure


:P just kidding! The only thing I may have messed up was with the acclimation process. Felipe picked me out a healthy one. Thanks for that block dupe of info. I have to dissagree with the care level though. If it is EASY then why do so many die?

[Reef69]

IMO 2 hours is fine, I had one for the longest time until my harlequins got to it..lol, they start falling apart, if they do, in the first hour or so...just keep a close eye on it.

[ansonluna]

Ha ha, if it wasn't for you Reef, Ida' floated for 10min and thown him in.

[Thunderkat]

Maybe its considered easy because of the feeding, it doesn't require live food.

[Reef69]

I used to feed mine half a cube of Formula 1 or 2...its hard to feed since i used to flip it with some tongs and put the food in its mouht...they are pretty but trick..hope all goes well..