6 led sand sifting star

[300bowler]

i have seen multiple sand sifting star fish and owned one for over 2 years before it passed. I just ordered and received a new one to put in my 220 gallon mixed reef. The one that I received has 6 legs. I am just wondering if anyone else has seen one with 6 legs instead of 5. I have never seen one with 6.

 

[Roboson]

If one of their limbs gets injured sometimes it triggers their "grow a new leg" response. This can occasionally cause them to grow a sixth leg. He may drop one of his legs and it could grow into a second starfish ( or may melt).

 

[300bowler]

If one of their limbs gets injured sometimes it triggers their "grow a new leg" response. This can occasionally cause them to grow a sixth leg. He may drop one of his legs and it could grow into a second starfish ( or may melt).

Interesting, thank you for the information. I have never seen it before.

 

[LParker480]

well that's pretty cool. gotta love SCIENCE!

 

[ReefLover09]

i have seen multiple sand sifting star fish and owned one for over 2 years before it passed. I just ordered and received a new one to put in my 220 gallon mixed reef. The one that I received has 6 legs. I am just wondering if anyone else has seen one with 6 legs instead of 5. I have never seen one with 6.

Hello,
I know this is an old post, but I recently purchased a sand sifter with six legs. The seller mentioned the sixth leg would eventually remove itself to form a second starfish. They also mentioned I could cut the sixth leg to help the process happen. I was wondering what happened to yours?

 

[Bret Brinkmann]

I have cut legs off of starfish to feed harlequin shrip before, thinking they would grow back. The starfish always died. I suspect that they can grow back and the leg could develop into another starfish, but it's not guaranteed. They could just die.

 

[ReefLover09]

I have cut legs off of starfish to feed harlequin shrip before, thinking they would grow back. The starfish always died. I suspect that they can grow back and the leg could develop into another starfish, but it's not guaranteed. They could just die.

thanks!