I put this in my tank

[tjw00]

So, we were out on Long Island this past weekend and the kids collected a bunch of starfish. I promised the kids I would put them in the tank. I lied. I put one in, the rest were dumped back in the ocean before we left. Question is, what kind of starfish is this? What does he eat? Why is he hanging out on the top of the tank at the waterline?

I know I should have qt'ed him, but I don't have a qt tank yet.

He seems to be okay, but after climbing to the top of the tank, has not moved.

Thanks,
TJ

 

[Deanos]

How warm is your tank? It may feel like it's boiling to the starfish.

 

[jhale]

i'm not sure what type of starfish that it.
did you acclimate it well? they can be pretty sensitive to changes in the water.
that could account for the arm out of the water.
what else is in the tank by the way?

 

[Deanos]

More info:

Long Island sea creatures

 

[tjw00]

How warm is your tank? It may feel like it's boiling to the starfish.

wow. Things have cooled off quite a bit in just one day! I checked the same source before putting him in the tank. Water temp was about 72 when we caught him. My tank is at 78. I acclimated for about an hour and a half. I'm sure it was a shock for him, but the fact is that if he was on the beach, chances are that the water was getting too cold for him anyway and his time was just about up. I really didn't want to put him in the tank, but the kids were adamant.

 

[tjw00]

i'm not sure what type of starfish that it.
did you acclimate it well? they can be pretty sensitive to changes in the water.
that could account for the arm out of the water.
what else is in the tank by the way?

I acclimated for about an hour and a half. I probably could have done it better, but in the end I was anxious to get him out of the bucket. I don't have a qt yet, so it is a big risk for me.

I have one yellow tang in the tank and one yellow belly damsel. Also, a cleaner shrimp.

 

[Deanos]

When the kids pay for the tank, then they can put whatever they like in there

Some snails are known to acclimate themselves to new water slowly at the water's edge.

 

[tjw00]

More info:

Long Island sea creatures

Asterias forbesii

That's him, thanks.

 

[jhale]

well the starfish might be okay. try to find out what it eats.

that link was cool dean. I did not know we had seahorses and pipefish living near us.

 

[jhale]

oh, Welcome to Manhattan Reefs by the way.
glad you found us

 

[tjw00]

When the kids pay for the tank, then they can put whatever they like in there

hehe. yes, this was definitely a one time thing. I have my fingers crossed that this starfish ain't carrying anything that can hurt my tang.

Thanks for the replies. You guys are great.

 

[tjw00]

oh, Welcome to Manhattan Reefs by the way.
glad you found us

thanks. sorry i didn't introduce myself. been lurking a while. you guys are great! Learned a ton from everyone here these past few months in lurk mode.

 

[drunktank]

cool i wish i lived by the ocean so i could catch stuff... i'm afraid of what i'd find in the hudson river :-X

 

[TimberTDI]

Once my wife and daughter brought home about 2 dozen snails from Wolf's Pond PArk in Staten Island and put them in the tank before I got home. In two days time my tank water turned completely green.

 

[deelucky]

i think thats cool,i mean there is always the risk.wish i could go out there and collect like that other club will be doing.i love stuff like that.anyway welcome to MR have fun.