Hilary October 30, 2008 Share October 30, 2008 I got a mottled blue starfish as a hitchhiker on one of the corals I bought from Howard a couple of months ago. I came home a week or two ago to find it stretched out across my cleaning magnet. One arm was stretched completely out, almost like it was trying to pull out a cramp. Next time I look the arm is still there, but the rest of the starfish had moved to another part of the tank (and is still moving around - seems fine). I didn't know if it had gotten stuck and pulled itself free, if it was sick, or what. Yuck, reminder to self to dispose of arm..... Forgot about it until I noticed that the arm was gone. Must have floated off and become crab food - less work for me. Now it's back on the magnet, and has been moving around all day. Eeewwwww. Just in time for Halloween, too. I've read that while most reproduce sexually, some types of starfish will divide and as long as part of the central ring is still attached it will grow into a new starfish. Should be interesting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesbuf October 30, 2008 Share October 30, 2008 We need pictures!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Garrison October 30, 2008 Share October 30, 2008 We need pictures!!!!!!! What he said! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geofloors October 30, 2008 Share October 30, 2008 (edited) The dalmation/linkia multifora are known to drop legs in captivity and re grow new starfish. I have several varieties that are now multiples. http://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productDeta...1266&cid=85 George Edited October 30, 2008 by geofloors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treesprite October 30, 2008 Share October 30, 2008 The dalmation/linkia multifora are known to drop legs in captivity and re grow new starfish. I have several varieties that are now multiples. http://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productDeta...1266&cid=85 George Unfortunately, asterinas reproduce in this way all of the time. I sometimes see arms of them on the glass moving around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefmontalvo October 30, 2008 Share October 30, 2008 Unfortunately, asterinas reproduce in this way all of the time. I sometimes see arms of them on the glass moving around. I second that as well. But I like my Asteria there a great clean up crew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesbuf October 30, 2008 Share October 30, 2008 I second that as well. But I like my Asteria there a great clean up crew. Yeah, until there population exceeds the food and the all turn into scavengers. I woke up one morning to a group of them devouring one of my dendro polyps. A harlequin shrimp pair have put an end to that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanman October 30, 2008 Share October 30, 2008 If anyone has a shortage of Asterina starfish, I have a few I can spare... please order no fewer than 100 at a time. That is about the minimum that I suck off the glass at each water change. Who knows why my 58-gallon tank has become the fabled asterina breeding grounds. bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilary October 30, 2008 Author Share October 30, 2008 Hey George - thanks! That is exactly what I have (Dalmation Linckia). Glad to see that it's normal for the species (and it's a lot prettier than asterinas!). I'll try to take a clear picture, but at this point it's a 2" blue and red starfish arm hanging out on the cleaning magnet.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesbuf October 30, 2008 Share October 30, 2008 Hey George - thanks! That is exactly what I have (Dalmation Linckia). Glad to see that it's normal for the species (and it's a lot prettier than asterinas!). I'll try to take a clear picture, but at this point it's a 2" blue and red starfish arm hanging out on the cleaning magnet.... Come on, its almost Halloween. We need some GORE on this site!!! Show the carnage!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilary October 31, 2008 Author Share October 31, 2008 The arm was in the rocks yesterday, and on the side of the magnet this morning. Even if it's normal it's still creepy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L8 2 RISE October 31, 2008 Share October 31, 2008 uuuuugh thats wierd as H-E-double hockey sticks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDiver October 31, 2008 Share October 31, 2008 Creepy yet awesome... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilary January 19, 2009 Author Share January 19, 2009 Just wanted to post an update. I periodically see the "mother" starfish - it's doing fine. And today I spotted the "leg" - it has brand new little legs growing out of it. Glad to see that it's doing well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sugar Magnolia January 19, 2009 Share January 19, 2009 Wow! Very cool!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Almon January 19, 2009 Share January 19, 2009 Awesome. Any chance of taking another picture of "The Leg"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanman January 19, 2009 Share January 19, 2009 Just wanted to post an update. I periodically see the "mother" starfish - it's doing fine. And today I spotted the "leg" - it has brand new little legs growing out of it. Glad to see that it's doing well! Cool - but I think I saw the movie version... bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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