star fish dieing?

[othicx]

So i have a starfish that i noticed is loosing flesh on one of his legs. I havn't noticed any of the fish picking at him or even swimming close to him at all. Everyday there seems to be a little more flesh gone. what does this sound like it could be?

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/Othicx/17f9baf4.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/Othicx/2babc132.jpg

[BlueWorldAquatic]

How long have you had it?

At best of times, those starfish don't last too well in captivity.

Ken

[othicx]

i have probably had it for a month. what is a good starfish to get then for a reef tank?

[sgreen]

Sounds like it could be a bacterial infection, and I am not sure there is much that can be done.

We have a sandsifter starfish that has done well for us in our 150g.
We also have a black brittle in our other system that is doing ok aswell.

[mws]

+1 on bacterial infection, don't think you can do anything.
But I wondered if cutting the leg up to a healthy body would stop the infection without killing the starfish. It should be able to grow the leg back.
I think at this point it worth trying anything, as it is a goner.

[naesco]

No it is dying as most starfish do. They simply deteriorate as shown in your pic,
The exception is a blue linckia starfish.
If it is slowly acclimated, is healthy when bought and placed in a large, mature tank with lots of live rock it has a good chance.