Is this sand sifting star a gonner?

[magnificentNovice]

I picked up a used 40g tank a year ago that was already filled with fish, inverts and corals-- among them was a sand sifting star. I read that they really prefer larger tanks, but the previous owner had kept it for over a year and they seemed conscientious about every other part of their setup so I kept the star. I monitored him closely for signs of starvation of failing health but he seemed to keep on going strong.

Recently I noticed a tip of one of his legs looked short, and I wondered if I may have accidentally got him with the algae scraper. Today he emerged from the sand with bright white patches that look pretty dire. I didn't see this kind of discoloration even 2 days ago.

Is there any chance it's something that will pass, or is this the end? If so, what should I do with him to humanely remove him to keep the rest of my tank safe?

Is there a chance that he'd survive if I re-home him to a much bigger tank, or has that ship already sailed?

 

[Dan_P]

I picked up a used 40g tank a year ago that was already filled with fish, inverts and corals-- among them was a sand sifting star. I read that they really prefer larger tanks, but the previous owner had kept it for over a year and they seemed conscientious about every other part of their setup so I kept the star. I monitored him closely for signs of starvation of failing health but he seemed to keep on going strong.

Recently I noticed a tip of one of his legs looked short, and I wondered if I may have accidentally got him with the algae scraper. Today he emerged from the sand with bright white patches that look pretty dire. I didn't see this kind of discoloration even 2 days ago.

Is there any chance it's something that will pass, or is this the end? If so, what should I do with him to humanely remove him to keep the rest of my tank safe?

Is there a chance that he'd survive if I re-home him to a much bigger tank, or has that ship already sailed?

A photo under white light is always the most useful.

I don’t think the sand sifters last many years.

 

[Stomatopods17]

the white is the "bone" beads and sign of deterioration. if it gets worse in that spot (as in, its not the result of physical damage and likely an infection) you can amputate the entire leg and it'll grow back slowly. Its very safe to do as long as the cutters are clean (I use bone cutters, you can find cheap ones in reef kits).

If its not localized and can be spotted in other areas, the star is just on its way out likely due to starvation and the beginning of that is point of no return. Sand sifters do not last long in aquariums because they eat specific matter in the sandbed which they deplete quickly over time, they just help aerate the sand rather than eat anything else like extra food, detritus, etc.

 

[magnificentNovice]

the white is the "bone" beads and sign of deterioration. if it gets worse in that spot (as in, its not the result of physical damage and likely an infection) you can amputate the entire leg and it'll grow back slowly. Its very safe to do as long as the cutters are clean (I use bone cutters, you can find cheap ones in reef kits).

If its not localized and can be spotted in other areas, the star is just on its way out likely due to starvation and the beginning of that is point of no return. Sand sifters do not last long in aquariums because they eat specific matter in the sandbed which they deplete quickly over time, they just help aerate the sand rather than eat anything else like extra food, detritus, etc.

Thanks for the detailed reply. It wasn't localized and it makes sense that it's starvation. I'm just bummed because I would have seen it coming and rehomed him 6 months ago, but I decided to keep an eye on him. He was looking great until he suddenly wasn't. I won't be buying another star unless it's in a much larger tank.