Starfish on the beach-dead or alive

Question
Hi:

My family and I have just got back from a walk on the beach just south of Perth Australia. and found several starfish. Although some of them are obviously dried out, some seemed to still be rather flexible. Even though they do not move when touched how would one know if they are dead or alive?

Best regards

Tarryn


Answer
hi Tarryn, i think you nailed it, dried up and crusty is a pretty good sign that its dead. they will not move if you touch them but if you turn it on its back it should right its self straight away, starfish are fine out of water for a while but you will tend to find them near or in rockpools, the unlucky ones will dry up.

living near the sea in australia would be awesome if you ever decided to keep marine fish, all that fresh sea water would make it very easy to look after.