starfish with a hole in it's disc

[reefer112]

Has anyone seen this? What could be causing this?

 

[T.Maxima]

what kind of starfish?

 

[reefer112]

serpent star. Seems healthy otherwise, but the central part of it's body has a hole in it. I can see right inside it.

 

[Anonymous]

If it appears to be disintegrating anywhere else, it's a bad sign. Besides ensuring pristine water quality, if it's a new star there could be a couple of problems associated with acclimation. These things, though the hardier members of the sea star group, are still sensitive to changes in salinity and pH.

If it's been around for a while, and you may have something that nips them, then that would need to be addressed. If water quality is good, you've been keeping up on water changes, etc., then I'd advise putting it in its own hospital system and try dosing with Spectrogram (following manufacturer's dosing instructions). If you haven't been keeping up with water changes, then I'd suggest some large w/c's, being careful not to change pH or salinity. Beyond that, I'm out of ideas for you.

 

[romunov]

They usually die of starvation due to our incapability to provide them with appropriate food. Yours is probably no exception. Sorry.

They actually have very good regenerative capabilities, but they need to be well fed prior to 'trouble'. And since yours is probably starving, I doubt there is much you can do... Again, sorry.