Starfish pimple?

Discussion in 'ASAP' started by ANDRU24, Jan 2, 2009.

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  1. ANDRU24

    ANDRU24 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2009
    Messages:
    84
    Location:
    Rockville, MD
    I have a fromia starfish (sea star) that has been in the tank for a few days. A few hours ago I noticed what looked like a pimple, dead-center on the top. A few minutes later the pimple expelled a stringy milky white substance. Now (an hour later) the pimple is barely noticeable.

    Is this a normal star fish thing? Or something I should be worrying about?

    Tank Parameters:
    29G BioCube
    Ammonia: 0
    PH: 8.2 - 8.4
    Salinity: 1.023
    Calcium: 520
    KH: 232ppm
    Nitrate: 20ppm
    Phosphate: .5

    Thanks in advance.

    Peace
    -AJ
     
    ANDRU24, Jan 2, 2009
    ANDRU24, Jan 2, 2009
    #1

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  2. SAW39

    SAW39 Ritteri Anemone

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2005
    Messages:
    635
    Location:
    Northern Virginia
    I have two of them, but I've never seen anything like that. But, mine hide in the rocks with only an arm or two showing so it would be hard to see anything like you describe. I was going to guess that the sea star was reproducing. But after reading a little, I'm not so sure.

    From Wikipedia: "The gonads are located in each arm, and release gametes through gonoducts located on the central body between the arms."

    It might have been a pimple due to an infection, or it could have been something that is normal and inocuous. There is probably little you can do regardless of what the pimple was.
     
    SAW39, Jan 2, 2009
    SAW39, Jan 2, 2009
    #2