care and feeding of a starfish

Question
I recently aquired a very nice pink fromia starfish for my tank, and I'm wondering what it's feeding requirements are - right now it's been moving around a lot on the back of the tank (where there's a light coat of algae)and likes to hide out behind some of the filtration equipment - how do I know if it's okay and is getting enough to eat? And, is there anything in particular I should feed it?

Answer
Hello Linda Lou,

Starfish don't require feeding directly.

They are grazers, as you have noticed.  BUT, they do require a well matured system to survive.

I hope that your system is mature enough to support the little guy, and you will know in about a month.  The star may become 'lethargic', not move around as much, become sedentary, then slowly melt, fall apart, etc...


Also, keep in mind that some systems cant support everything, no matter how mature or stable, in fact, my four year old system can not keep a starfish. (at least not yet, I have tried twice, and wont try again as i value the life)

I cant keep green star polyps, gsp, nor can i keep xenia.  (things that grow like weeds in all my friends and associates tanks)

But i can keep many things they cant, and have great success and little to no loss so far, (looking for some wood to knock on...)

Anyway, good luck and check back in a month and let us know how things are dong for your little guy.




Mr. Bill