I bought a serpent star from a local store last week, and it's been in decline ever since. Others in the tank were missing limb tips (which should've been a red flag, but I figured they broke in transit). I got one that was intact, but he lost a limb tip in the bag on the way home. Acclimated him, got him in the tank, and within a few hours he had lost another limb tip. Over the next few days his legs got shorter and shorter until he now resides in a floating basket at the edge of my tank. He's down to two half-legs and three that are nubs. One has started disintegrating into the oral disc, which is the point where I told myself I'd "put him down". I don't think there's any return from here. Anyone know the best way to do it? Taking him out of the water is the fastest way I could find, but that seems a slow and agonizing 5 minutes for the little guy. I don't think I could stomach watching him wiggle his little stumps as he dies, which is something I assume he'll do. Next best option seems to be cutting the oral disc in half/quarters, or crushing him to end it quickly. Both seem pretty gruesome and unnecessary. There has to be a better way. Any advice?
Edit: this should probably be in the tank issues forum. Mods feel free to move it.
Edit: this should probably be in the tank issues forum. Mods feel free to move it.
