Can you keep a starfish as pet?

It's generally not recommended to keep starfish as pets. Here's why:

* Complex Needs: Starfish require very specific conditions to thrive, including:

* Saltwater Aquariums: They need a large, properly-maintained saltwater aquarium with the right temperature, salinity, and water flow.

* Specific Diet: They eat a variety of things, including mussels, clams, and other small invertebrates.

* Space to Move: Starfish need space to move around and explore.

* Ethical Concerns: Wild-caught starfish are often stressed and susceptible to disease, and capturing them can disrupt their natural ecosystems.

* Difficulty in Care: Maintaining the proper conditions for a starfish is challenging, even for experienced aquarists.

* Potential for Harm: Some starfish species are poisonous or have spines that can cause irritation or injury.

Instead of keeping a starfish as a pet, consider observing them in their natural habitat at a local aquarium or beach.

Remember: Starfish play an important role in marine ecosystems, and it's best to leave them where they belong!