Cannibal Starfish

[KUDA]

I noticed the other day that my chocolate chip star was on top of the other one. I just thought that it was moving across the bottom and happened to land on top of the other one. After it moved off, I noticed that the skin was missing from the top of the one that was on the bottom. HE ATE THE SKIN OFF!!! I moved eaten star to a different tank and he is doing fine. Why did this happen. Both stars are about the same size and i feed them every night.

[ophiuroid]

It is perfectly normal for a predatory star to eat anything that might be fair game. This isn't surprising actually but probably not reassuring. Be sure to feed them a wide variety of foods, including algae wafers or nori. They are omnivorous.

In addition, if the eaten star is dying or stressed, the other star most certainly would take advantage of that.

[KUDA]

Thanks. It was just surprising to me.