Why did my multiflora linckia drop a leg?

[alyssia]

It doesn't look like it's dying (their are no "threads" or white stuff attached to the leg) It looks like a clean cut but the leg is on top of a rock so I don't think it got pinched off. I've heard before that this is how they reproduce but didn't think that they do it in captivity. The star is cruising around and seems fine.

 

[gdavies]

Do you have any crabs in your tank?

 

[theappe]

It could be that he is reproducing. I saw a thread on here a while back ago and someone had an orange linkia loose all its legs and they all became starfish.

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by theappe
It could be that he is reproducing. I saw a thread on here a while back ago and someone had an orange linkia loose all its legs and they all became starfish.

That's what I'm hoping for!

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by gdavies
Do you have any crabs in your tank?

Just teeny tiny hermits.

 

[katara]

it's reproducing.Soon you'll have two.Let me know if you want to sell one,I've been wanting one forever!

 

[alyssia]

So is it common for them to do this in captivity?

 

[katara]

I do hear about it quite a bit..this is a very hardy species for aquarists to keep.

 

[alyssia]

I didn't think any linckias were hardy. :thinking:

 

[katara]

These are..hopefully Ophi will chime in soon.

 

[alyssia]

bump.....OPHI?? :help:

 

[katara]

you really shouldn't be worried.This is a good thing :joy:

 

[lion_crazz]

I will bring this to Ophiura's attention for you.

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by Katara
you really shouldn't be worried.This is a good thing :joy:

 

[alyssia]

Still wondering how often this happens in captivity...

 

[ophiura]

Originally Posted by alyssia
So is it common for them to do this in captivity?

It is far more common in this "hardy" Linckia than in any others. If it is a tank of reasonable size, with a good amount of LR, this is not surprising.