how to keep starfish hard

Question
I found a starfish on the beach and brought it home.  It had gotten hard and when I cleaned the starfish it got soft.  I'd like to put it in the vase with my beta fish.  How can I keep it hard when it gets wet OR would it be okay to stay soft in the water?

Answer
Hello bonitta,

I am guessing the starfish is dead? And you want it for decoration??

If so, i apologize that i am unable to help you as i really dont know much about preserving critters, nor do I know much about fresh water fist and aquariums.

If it is alive, I would need more informaiton, but would warn you that I dont believe or agree with taking animals and stuff from beaches to put in our aquariums.  That, plus most critters found on the local beaches are pretty dirty and might bring bad things into out fish tanks.

sorry i could not e more help.

Bill