Certain species require personal treatment. Such as starfish. Although it is possible to keep them without direct feeding, your success and their total longevity will depend on a feeding schedule of some kind. Most captive starfish die of starvation. So, if you plan to try to keep this type of animal regularly giving it food and also ensuring it gets/keeps it, is part of the work to keep them happy and healthy.
Due to the slow speed of a starfish, it is possible for them to lose or have their food stolen from them. Food can also blow right over them without ever being attainable. Personally, I hand feed mine every second day.
To do so, I pick them up and place them on the glass on the front side of the tank. I do this so I can clearly see their tentacles and the underside of their central disk. In order to begin eating they must get the food object under their central disk. They are able to grab pieces of food that are pushed lightly against their limbs. They use their tentacles to conveyor belt the food to their center. Once they have centered in on whatever food they are eating they project their stomachs outward to begin digestion.
It’s actually fascinating to watch but requires patience as they move and act very slowly. Starfish as inhabitants in your reef can live for years if you learn to give them a few moments every couple of days. Good luck!
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