Starfish help

[Pat_13]

I have a sand sifting starfish that seems to be under attack by small green worms (very small 1-2mm)?

 

Here is a picture of the leg that is being eaten from about 9am. I just looked again and he is missing another two segments.

 

Any clues?

 

Should I cut the leg to save him?

[Guest Ominojacu]

I have a sand sifting starfish that seems to be under attack by small green worms (very small 1-2mm)?

 

Here is a picture of the leg that is being eaten from about 9am. I just looked again and he is missing another two segments.

 

Any clues?

 

Should I cut the leg to save him?

I am not familiar with those particular worms, but most worms will attack an injured starfish at the site of the injury. Since these worms are concentrated at the same location I would say that is a likely scenerio. I would guess that wether or not you remove the leg, you should isolate the starfish until it has healed, and in the meantime try and figure out what caused the initial injury. A shrimp perhaps?

[kngfisher]

How healthy is the water in your tank?

[Sharkb8]

I would post this question at www.wetwebmedia.com

[Pat_13]

I would post this question at www.wetwebmedia.com

 

Thanks, I sent it in at the same time. I looked in the tank before leaving for work and things did not look good :(

 

Water: pH 8.2, Nitrite 0, nitrate 5 (steady), 80*