VERY sick choc chip starfish..help! Is it a disease?

Discussion in 'Diseases' started by Lilykoto, May 9, 2014.

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  1. Lilykoto

    Lilykoto Plankton

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    Hi guys, I hope someone can give me advice/help explain what is happening to my Chocolate Chip Starfish? He was completely fine and then about 4 days ago moved to the bottom corner of my tank and hasn't moved at all.

    I tried moving him today to see if he would get going, and to my shock and horror I saw that one of his legs looks like it is disintergrating off and you can see the fibers of his leg muscles...Disease or injury or what?:cry:

    WHAT the hell happenned? IS there anything I can do???

    The salinity was a bit high, so doing a water change today. All other levels are fine.

    Help?
     

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  3. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Unfortunately it looks like the star is dying. Starfish can be sensitive to changes in water chemistry, a rise in SG is enough.

    I would proceed with the water change, and remove the starfish if you see further decay.

    Welcome to 3reef.
     
  4. civiccars2003

    civiccars2003 Great Blue Whale

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    Sound advice. How big is your tank and how long has it been running?
     
  5. Lilykoto

    Lilykoto Plankton

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    It is 10 gallons and running for two months ....
     
  6. Lilykoto

    Lilykoto Plankton

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    Should I try to put him in a separate quarantine or just watch and wait?
     
  7. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !

    I suspect the tank is too unstable at it's young age. A 10 gallon tank just newly cycled is a challenge, specifically when maintaining consistent water chemistry. I would take the Starfish back to the local fish store if it's still alive. Quarantine at this point would be of little benefit.
     
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  9. Lilykoto

    Lilykoto Plankton

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    Ok. Thank you all much