Do bristleworms go after sand sifting star fish? - Aquarium Advice

jcmelski · 10-21-2009, 03:11 AM

I noticed the other day that my starfish had bite marks on it's arms. then I noticed today that it was missing an arm and the other arms looked torn up. is it sick or can it be bristleworms? I noticed a large bristleworm the other day while rearranging my LR. What type of trap would you recommend to get rid of them? thanks

**roka64** · 10-21-2009, 10:02 AM

I doubt they will go after a healthy animal. What else do you have in your tank? Sand sifting stars need a larger, mature tank or will quickly consume their food source and starve.

jcmelski · 10-21-2009, 01:30 PM

I have 4 shrimp, 1 emerald crab, 2 clown fish and a sixline wrasse, snails, and the starfish. i've had it for several months now.

**melosu58** · 10-21-2009, 01:56 PM

I dont believe it`s the bristleworm either. I would say your crab might be more of a suspect.

quaqa88 · 11-04-2009, 04:25 PM

I doubt that it was a bristle worm. Bristle worms are known to be detritivores, or animals that feed on dead organic waste matter. They usually will not intentionally harm a living organism. Your crab is your best bet. It is not uncommon for a larger crab to prey on live starfish. Some people use starfish as a food source for a great abundance of crabs that they may have in one tank.

austinsdad · 11-04-2009, 04:27 PM

If someone in your CUC is picking at the star, I'm thinking the star is wounded and any flesh exposed will attract crabs or shrimps.

jcmelski · 11-05-2009, 03:48 PM

[QUOTE]Some people use starfish as a food source for a great abundance of crabs that they may have in one tank./QUOTE]
That's freaking cruel! I haven't seen the starfish in sometime so I figure it's either hiding out or it's totally gone. What was weird was it had perfect bit marks on it, not like something was nibbling on it.