Brittle star lost an arm!!!

[Horsegirlmaddy]

I feel so terrible!!!!! I just added a bit of freshwater to the tank after some evaporation, and to escape the flow of water, my sea star (only tank inhabitant at the moment) scuttled away. All fine, I thought. Then I saw the majority of one of his arms on the tank bottom!!! Looks like maybe he ripped it off on a piece of live rock maybe? So now he just has a nub... What should I do? Will he be okay? And a silly question but...should I remove the arm? Will it just create ammonia, or will he eat it or something?

Help!

 

[signalman]

The brittle star will fine they grow new arms in the event of losing one. As for the lost arm I would take it out though in the ocean I think that the lost arms survive to grow into another starfish.

 

[Horsegirlmaddy]

If it grew into a new starfish that would be AWESOME. But I suppose I'll take it out anyways I'm glad he'll grow a new one though, that's a relief.

 

[MacDracor]

The dropped arms can only regrow a new star if it has a part of the central disc attached. At least that's what I've read.

 

[signalman]

Glad to put your mind to rest.

 

[Horsegirlmaddy]

The dropped arms can only regrow a new star if it has a part of the central disc attached. At least that's what I've read.

Ahhh that makes sense.

 

[Horsegirlmaddy]

Glad to put your mind to rest.

Muchly appreciated!! He seems to be alright, noodling about the tank and resting on his favorite rock. So all seems good!