Serpent star humpback?

Saltywaters · Aug 31, 2025

Unsure what is going on with our serpent star. We have had in our tank now for around 5-6 months.
Any idea?

20250831_180509_0E8BCAF8-E0D8-4B11-9477-E95C7805F117.png

BristleWormHater · Aug 31, 2025

Not sure, never seen anything like that. Echinoderms are not well understood, especially not in the hobby, so I dont think there will be any info on this. Unfortunately I think your only option is to just observe.
@vetteguy53081

BristleWormHater · Aug 31, 2025

Did a few quick searches, I think this is a gas embolism. Going purely off of descriptions though because cant find an image online. Unfortunately I still dont think there's anything you can do :(

vetteguy53081 · Aug 31, 2025

Saltywaters said:
Unsure what is going on with our serpent star. We have had in our tank now for around 5-6 months.
Any idea?

Assure it has a food source and that Nitrates are not elevated

BonnieB · Aug 31, 2025

Once upon a time in the olden days

I had a star that would inflate when it felt threatened. Turned out one of our fish was picking on it and that was its defense mechanism to make itself look bigger. I don’t know if that is the same for you but thought I’d share!