Orange Knobby Sea Star at top of tank

(Not actually my Star, but same species and same appearance)

So I got this Knobby Sea Star just a week ago. I have a friend who's father-in-law was breaking down his 150gal and downsizing to a 75gal. He was looking to get rid of some of his inverts so I got the Sea Star for cheap. Up until today the star had been exclusively staying on the live rock, usually on the under side out of the light. Tonight, all of the sudden, he is on the front of the tank way at the top. His top arm was at the surface of the water, barely hanging out.

I'm not familiar with this species behavior so I was wondering if this might be a cause for concern or not. My tank has only been up and running for two months. I did get all my LR and equip from a system that had been running for 8 years and probably had a total of 300 gal in the system. Even half of my water to start the tank was from that system...I have a 55.

Does my tank not have the bio buildup yet to support the sea star or am I just worrying for no reason?

Thanks.

 

I have a Knobby Sea Star as well, and he hangs out near the water line too. At first I was concerned by him exposing himself to air, but he seems okay.

 

Thanks. Great to hear. Just kind of happened all of the sudden and I really wasn't sure what to make of it.

 

Sorry about reviving an ancient thread - but these stars seem pretty neat. How are they doing in your tanks over the long term? And have they proven to be reef safe?

 

Well, I still have mine and haven't had any problems with it. I only have a couple Rics so I can't really claim it as "reef safe." But I have had no problems.

 

glad this thread was dug back up. i had been looking at this same kind of star a while back and couldnt decide if i had a big enough system to handle it. glad to know you have kept your successfully for a good 6 months. does it take food from hand or does it just eat off of your rock/ect?