Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We just added a Bali Red Starfish to our aquarium 2 weeks ago. It is a little larger than a 1/2 Dollar coin. After being in our tank for 10 days the center top and down the begining parts of the arms split open and the starfish was releasing little round red balls with 1 small string hanging off. After 2 days it released about 30-50 of these all over the tank. At about day three it seemed that overnight the majority disapeared. But now the starfish still moving and alive has a huge hole in the center of it, it apears to be healing back together. But we are curious as to what was happening(spawning?)and if the starfish will put it's self back together fully and not die? Any thoughs ...

Thanks, Nick & Austin

From what I learned in animal biology, sea stars (class asteroidea) can regenerate. They reproduce by internal fertilization or the larva can develop into adults without any stages between. So the little red balls could be the larva.
I don't have any experience with SW aquariums, but I just figured I would put my knowledge to some use.
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Phishie

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."