Basket Star

Has anyone here ever had a basket star? I saw one today in my LFS and thought it looked pretty cool. any experience / advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

Should be left in the ocean. Will slowly starve in most systems over weeks to a couple of months. Needs frequent feedings almost constant.

 

Agreed, very difficult to keep, I kept one alive for about 6mos., I tried to rescue the poor critter, got him off of Craig's List, but even my system couldn't keep him alive. They probably shouldn't be allowed for sale. IMHO.

 

almost impossible to keep ... keep them in the ocean!

 

They usually ambush and kill any fish in the tank. I have had one last me 3 months with daily feedings before being sold (at lfs).
I say if you do your research and know its care requirments and can keep good params in your tank, then try it! Its not by "leaving it in the ocean" that we will learn how to keep it. It is already at an LFS' tank and some beginner will probably buy it and it will die in their tank from lack of proper care. So if you think you are experienced enough, go for it!

 

Basket stars are exclusively filter feeders. They are unable to ambush any fish. They require a system devoted to NPS. By purchasing them we create a market for them where the vast majority are destined to perish.

Section B - Brittle Stars and Basket stars

 

+1 If we do not purchase them, the LFS will stop ordering from the wholesalers and so forth down the chain.

 

Thanks for the info guys, i decided on an algea blenny. I dont want to risk it with the basket star. It's so nice looking, id feel like a real fool if i killed it, knowing how difficult they are to keep ahead of time.

 

Researching and asking for information before buying it the best thing you can do. K+