Starfish exposed to air???

[mandown123]

I bought a sand sifter starfish last night and he came out of the water for about .5 seconds while i put him from the drip to the display. what is the reason that all the info is saying not to expose them to air? I hope I didn't mess him up but I couldnt figure a way to not expose to air and not make a mess too.

What is the reason for the no air thing? I can't find any literature explaining why, just a lot of "dont do its".

Also - I remember being at the aquarium when I was little and these guys were on display in the "petting" area where kids were handling them and brining them up out of the water. Maybe it is only certain types?

 

[drunkfish13]

you are fine sand sifting satrs can be exposed to air. Linkia stars can not be exposed to air.

 

[mandown123]

do you know why? I am curious

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

My multiflora climbs out of the water all the time no problems. The sand sifters climbed out a few times before the harleys got them no problem either.

 

[georgelc86]

I think is has something to do with there respiratory system. They have bumps or spines on its body surface that takes in oxygen. Many have skin gills to aid in respiration. I think that because their respiratory system is so simple that exposure to air puts the starfish at risk of maybe an embolism or just suffication. But I agree I have seen plenty starfish come partly out of the water surface and continue on with their lives.

 

[mandown123]

hmm. that is a sound theory. it works well with your signature HAHHAA!

 

[georgelc86]

I know right, :wink1:

 

[georgelc86]

By the way make sure your sandbed is deep enough because I had one of those stars with a shallow sandbed aand I think my hermit crabs got him because I could see some eaten spots on the star. Thats my experience.

 

[mandown123]

mine is shallow as well. I will have to see what happens. I am too much of a noob for a DSB at this point i think. I can't handle that nitrate soup on my conscience at this stage in my hobby-ism.

 

[georgelc86]

Word, I hear you.