Mating starfish?

[SD-Kid]

ok so i broke down my tank but im keeping my livestock in my brothers tank. after transferring everything to his tank my brother and i notice my sand sifter starfish found his starfish and climb right on top of it. its been a solid 15 days and they have not split apart. are they mating? is this normal?

[SD-Kid]

Anyone seen this before?

[inurmind]

Dude I wish I had an answer for ya, if it was two dif kinds I'd think it was a dom issue but with two sand stars idonno. Hopefully someone else will have some info.

[cardiffkook]

I've seen this a few times in my tank and I've always assumed it is mating.

[SD-Kid]

just weird that its been almost 20days and they are still attached lol

[cardiffkook]

i've seen little baby starfish in my sump

[specvjeff]

I doubt that the are breeding. Most starfish are broadcast spawners. Meaning they will release their eggs or sperm into the water column. The only species that do not exhibit this behavior are deep water starfish that live in conditions that are not favorable to this.

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[Jhuneke]

Are they cannibalistic? Make sure the one on the bottom isn't being eaten! :O

[SD-Kid]

Are they cannibalistic? Make sure the one on the bottom isn't being eaten! :O

Never thought of that. But the bottom one seems to be fine . I mean it's been about 20 days

[specvjeff]

It could be a display of dominance.

[Jhuneke]

Well, since they can regenerate limbs.. He may be able to survive a slow nibble? Is pick off the top one to make sure there's no wound or anything.. That is SO weird! lol

[specvjeff]

Try separating them and see what happens.

[SD-Kid]

Try separating them and see what happens.

I will try tomorrow and see what happens