How to help a regenerating sand sifting sea star?

[rusty shackleford yes]

Hey yall! I recently purchased a sand sifting sea star due to an abundance of micro & macro organisms in my sand bed. I’ve also been needing a sand sifter as well. Anyways, when I put him in the tank last week he started exploring, unfortunately my peppermint shrimp went rabid or something and started absolutely tearing the poor thing apart! Had to get the little bugger out and deported him to my sump, I’ve also noticed him picking at my corals before. Pretty much after this I just assumed my star was a goner. The shrimp had managed to mangle 3 of his arms, which he would soon drop. But miraculously, he’s bounced back! His wounds have healed up and he’s been sifting my sandbed for a week or so now. I make sure to supplement him as well, he has not left the sandbed since I got him fortunately.

Is there anything I could do to help him regrow his legs? I’ll dose some calcium to help and will spot feed him for the rest of his life. I love sea stars, I would hate to see him die.

This is him right before the incident. My sand bed is looking much better now! Same with my algae, but I think it’s because my parameters have gotten better. The peppermint has been replaced by a skunk cleaner shrimp who has had absolutely no interest in the sea star.

Also he’s buried right now so I can’t really get a good photo. I’ll keep yall updated! :)

 

[albano]

I can’t recall anyone having any real success keeping SS sea stars… they are usually doomed from day 1

 

[BrickReef95]

I had no idea they were difficult to keep. I’ve had 2 for 3years now. Hope you didn’t just sign mines fate..

 

[rusty shackleford yes]

I had no idea they were difficult to keep. I’ve had 2 for 3years now. Hope you didn’t just sign mines fate..

I see a lot of conflicting stories about them… honestly I think it just comes down to if they are eating enough! So just make sure they have plenty to eat!

 

[rusty shackleford yes]

I can’t recall anyone having any real success keeping SS sea stars… they are usually doomed from day 1

Because they starve due to lack of food right? So far mine is eating well. Hopefully it stays that way!

 

[BrickReef95]

Haha. with my lack of maintenance discipline, they’ll be just fine.

 

[Tahoe61]

Because they starve due to lack of food right? So far mine is eating well. Hopefully it stays that way!

A sandbed takes many months to become established. Nanos typically don't offer enough real estate

 

[rusty shackleford yes]

A sandbed takes many months to become established. Nanos typically don't offer enough real estate

Mine is around 7-8 months old now. Sandbed is crawling with organisms! Is that a good sign?

 

[gbose]

I had no idea they were difficult to keep. I’ve had 2 for 3years now. Hope you didn’t just sign mines fate..

How big is your tank? I have a 34G, and my SS Star died - I think of malnutrition....

 

[Fish Fan]

How big is your tank? I have a 34G, and my SS Star died - I think of malnutrition....

Unfortunately, almost certainly. These Stars tend to need a rather large and mature sanded to do well, otherwise many tend to starve in captivity.