Starchoice....

[AJ_77]

Originally Posted by rcipema

I am wondering if there is a different definition of Detritus than the one the Oxford dictionary uses...

Of course there is, Bob. It's the one familiar to most of us, commonly accepted in our community as meaning:

"Accumulated material; debris."

It is widely accepted that the term refers to the gunk that our cleaners clean. You didn't know this??

Or just bored again...

[BC_Grl]

AJ- couldn't you tell??
He's just bored! Either that or bragging...

[Van down by the river]

I'd have to say Christyf5 got it right=Echinaster echinophorus.

It has very little resemblance to any Fromia stars. I haven't seen the sprung picture but it is identical to a few found elsewhere.

Per Fossa/Nilsen:
They say it is a Caribean species reaching 7cm
"Feeds primarily on detritus and microscopic invertabrates,possibly also on algae.Will often not accept substitute foods."
Well you've obviously found the right substitute!

They go on to say it is mainly a shallow species ranging from Coral rubble/Reef/and Mangrove areas.
Fairly hardy once adapted to conditions.
As with many inverts they say it doesn't appear to be a problem with corals and inverts but it cannot be totally trusted.

This seems to coincide with the behaviour of yours quite well. References elsewhere suggests that this species or some of it's close relatives are attracted to light. Do you find yours is more active in the day?

Anyways you are lucky to have it in your tank.

[Bob I]

It is widely accepted that the term refers to the gunk that our cleaners clean. You didn't know this??

Or just bored again...

I guess I was just moved to see if the dictionary gave the same meaning as we do. The dictionary does not, so I am wondering if someone in the reefing community just invented that meaning, and we all came to accept it as being correct? Or if there is another deeper meaning. As you know I am always curious about such things.

And yes Jeanna, it seemed like a perfectly legitimate question to me. I was not in any way bragging. I of course do not need to defend myself to you. You are more than welcome to think as you wish. But be so kind as to keep it a thought,.

[AJ_77]

Sheesh Bob, I quoted another definition...
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=detritus
While the dictionaries do give more than one definition, the common understanding here is straightforward enough.

I sure hope we can find a good source for these beautiful starfish.

Did I mention that orange is my favourite colour? Mmmm....

[christyf5]

So Bob, what kind of meaning do you think we are giving the word "detritus"??

[EmilyB]

Buy the Oxford Science Dictionary...you'll love it...it's much more applicable to the hobby..... Yes, detritus is in there.....just as we know it and love it ! But I'm not typing it out.......

[Bob I]

Originally Posted by christyf5

So Bob, what kind of meaning do you think we are giving the word "detritus"??

I always felt we were calling waste produced by the animals in our tanks as detritus, which seems to be somewhat different than the dictionary meaning.

[EmilyB]

Yes Van,

I thought echinaster was the closest choice when I first got it. I have the baensch atlases. However, the pic is not really anywhere close. Nor any of the online echinaster pics. Sounds for sure like a similar type starfish tho.

The echinaster in the Baensch atlas is called a red starfish as a common name (strangely enough)...and says they come from the Mediterranean and the Eastern Atlantic from Brittany to the Gold Coast. They are also much larger.

Anyway, the guy told me he has never been able to order them in. They come in accidentally with "red starfish"...... he orders.

Doesn't matter, I just wanted to give a heads up, so everyone is out there watching for them Mystery stars !

[Tau2301]

Is it from that old musical where some lady sings to some bratty kids that if they don’t behave they will become “Supercalifradulousanxpaladetritus” or some thing like that.