conservation

[mark]

Hi,

Sorry, this question not really about seashells.

Somebody asked me how he could conservation a big starfish, Marthasterias glacialis.

I hadn’t any idea. Can anybody help?

Thanks,

Mark

[marlo]

The best way to preserve starfish is to take a picture.  Preserving large starfish for odorless, permanent display is very difficult and takes a lot of practice to develop the skill.  That requires destrying a lot of life for what will turn out to be a temporary or smelly display.  However, a picture will capture the full color and it would be longer lasting and worth the investment to make and frame some large photos.  And, best of all, then you can share the pictures here on SC.

marlo

[mark]

Hi Marlo,

Thanks, I will forward it  

Regards,

Mark

[dora]

I picked up starfish while I spent 3 months on Marco Island after our house fire. They were already washed up on the beach and half dead. I took them back and wet them in a small flat dish to get them limber again, then I took them out of the water and spread their arms out in a really dry place and I just let them air dry. In a couple days they were nice and dry with very little smell. I simply leave them in a drawer or if they're on display I keep them out of the sunlight, and just be careful with them and they will last.

[mark]

Hi Dora,

House fire? I hope nobody hurted.

Thanks for your reply. But I’m afraid must to agree with Marlo <img src="images/smiley/smile.gif" alt="" border="0" /> because allegedly that starfish was too big and always was flat while drying. Only one problem is who asked it don’t take photos.

Best regards,

Mark

[Guest]

I agree: when you see living starfish in their natural habitat, you are impressed by their colours. When you the same starfish (dried) in gift-shops, it's sad.
A photo is the best option. You never can top this!