Help- Sand sifting starfish

[carol123]

Hi

I have 2 of these critters in my tank. They were fine for about 4 months but now they spend all day riding around ontop of each other. They occasionaly swap places. Are they fighting, breeding or playing ? Any ideas ?

 

[Anonymous]

Have you noticed them taking a smoke break and raiding the 'fridge after? .

I really haven't a clue, hopefully someone else will chime in.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

How big is the tank they're in?

 

[Anonymous]

Besides reproducing asexually (fission) most Astropecten spp. are free-spawners (releasing gametes into the water) not brooders though their gonads are located in their arms, so my guess is they're just hanging out together.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[romunov]

They may be trying to have a gourmet meal. Sand sifting stars generally die (especially in small systems) within a year due to starvation. They sift the sand for the animals in the bed. Once they run out... I would take them back if possible and get something else/refund.