Starfish (Fromia milleporella) fingers being eaten, or decay?

[frankdontsurf]

I have a small red star, it's been in my 10 gallon tank for the last 9+ months. A week ago my sister comes by with a small solid blue shrimp with one claw larger than the other (NO spot on the back) in a cup. She said it made a lot of noise at night, while doing a water change she managed to siphon it out. I thought it was a neat little bugger and tossed him in my tank - I do not have any other shrimps in there. I have 2x Nassaurius, 2x Trochus, 1x Astraea, 5x Large Florida Ceriths and a HUGE amount of bristles and the star.

 

So a few days ago I notice the snail had the tip of a finger all white and fleshy it looked snipped clean. Then the other fingers started to do the same. Now it seems the first one is the shortest and all but one is being affected. At first I thought it was the shrimp since the time coincided - but im watching the tank so much i've yet to see the shrimp since I tossed it in the tank nor anything else near the star. When I wake up at 3am like a psycho to check the tank - I see the damn starfish being bearhugged by the bristles. I mean I have an unbelieable amount, lots of Asterinas too.

 

I realize that the bristles wouldn't eat a live starfish...unless it was decaying (starvation) or sick (from being bit)..

 

Do I need to upload a picture of the shrimp? Can anyone give me some suggestions?

 

Should I toss the star in my sisters tank? I do hear the shrimp snapping from time to time, it almost sounds like my filter is cracking. I thourogly regret adding it.

 

Im worried that if I throw it in my sisters tank and it dies it will nuke her tank, possible?

[Liamgray90]

Sounds like you have big problems

Some star fish arnt compatible

With each other

 

But looks like the shrimp with the claw is doing the damage

[clownfitch]

I have read in other forums where pistol shrimp (with your description I am figuring your new shrimp is a pistol shrimp)will guard there territory against starfish by clipping away at there legs if the starfish gets too close. Especially in small tanks. The pistol shrimp will stake out a territory and guard it well. If you decide to keep it you should get you a shrimp goby to go with it. They make a neat pair to have.

Congrats on the longevity of your starfish so far, I never have any luck with them.

[Tamberav]

I have a small red star, it's been in my 10 gallon tank for the last 9+ months. A week ago my sister comes by with a small solid blue shrimp with one claw larger than the other (NO spot on the back) in a cup. She said it made a lot of noise at night, while doing a water change she managed to siphon it out. I thought it was a neat little bugger and tossed him in my tank - I do not have any other shrimps in there. I have 2x Nassaurius, 2x Trochus, 1x Astraea, 5x Large Florida Ceriths and a HUGE amount of bristles and the star.

 

So a few days ago I notice the snail had the tip of a finger all white and fleshy it looked snipped clean. Then the other fingers started to do the same. Now it seems the first one is the shortest and all but one is being affected. At first I thought it was the shrimp since the time coincided - but im watching the tank so much i've yet to see the shrimp since I tossed it in the tank nor anything else near the star. When I wake up at 3am like a psycho to check the tank - I see the damn starfish being bearhugged by the bristles. I mean I have an unbelieable amount, lots of Asterinas too.

 

I realize that the bristles wouldn't eat a live starfish...unless it was decaying (starvation) or sick (from being bit)..

 

Do I need to upload a picture of the shrimp? Can anyone give me some suggestions?

 

Should I toss the star in my sisters tank? I do hear the shrimp snapping from time to time, it almost sounds like my filter is cracking. I thourogly regret adding it.

 

Im worried that if I throw it in my sisters tank and it dies it will nuke her tank, possible?

 

I doubt it is the shrimps fault. These stars have a very poor record in nano-tanks they generally die in 6 months to a year from starvation.

 

My vote is it finally kicked the bucket and the pistol is just taking the rap for it.