serpent star question

[mp32]

I added a serpent star today, and when I looked at him in the bag he had a pink intestine looking thing comming out of his mouth. I figured it was a defense thing like pushing out his innards but just want to make sure.

 

[ophiura]

Technically, no. They do not have intestines, nor due they evert a stomach like some seastars, so I am not sure what you are seeing. There is no defensive structure like that. A picture would help.

 

[mp32]

Sorry no pics of it, all I can say is it was pink it looked like a worm or intestines which I know they do not have. When I removed it after it fell off it was rolled up and hard. Very strange. It seems to be fine, it found it's hiding spot and has his legs moving around so maybe it just picked up something it did not like and was spitting it out

. I guess it will remain a mystery, as long as it is O.K. that is all that matters.