Starfish Injury?

[fishwatcher]

My knobby starfish seems to have some sort of injury. It starts about 1/2" up, between 2 arms. It's just a pale, washed-out grey color. He seems to be fine, traveling, eating, etc. but I'm concerned about it getting some sort of secondary infection. I am thinking he must have fallen off the side and onto the rocks and scraped it or something like that.
What do you think?
Oh, and my water stats are amm 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 5, temp 76. He lives with a clown, a LM blenny, a watchman goby, a bubble-tip brittle star and a couple of shrimp and hermits.
Thanks!

 

[Lynden]

It could be an infection or necrosis. Keep a sharp eye on the animal for a few days.

 

[fishwatcher]

Is there any thing particular I should watch out for, or just general lathergic behavior, not eating, etc?
Thanks!

 

[Lynden]

Stopping, not eating... general lethargy.

 

[SkiFletch]

Stopping, not eating... general lethargy.

Especially troublesome if followed by blotches, mucous, and/or disintegration. Those indicate the death bed

 

[fishwatcher]

What would cause it if the water is ok? Could an injury just progress into death?

 

[SkiFletch]

What would cause it if the water is ok? Could an injury just progress into death?

Infection or insufficient diet come to mind first. And there's always the possibility that a tankmate is harassing it

 

[fishwatcher]

Here is a picture of him... does this look like it's a bad situation, or something that may heal up?
Thanks for the help. My husband loves this thing and is as worried as I am (and that's saying something, bc he has NO interest in my tanks)!

 

[Lynden]

Looks fine. Keep feeding.

 

[fishwatcher]

Ok, great! I was hoping I wasn't going to get horrible news... I've grown kind of attached to him.
Thanks!