Chocolate Starfish Injury?

[smokinjoe2122]

Hey guys, my choco star which I've had for close to a year now seems to have the very tip of one of his legs either injured or removed. You can see the white / cream colored (exoskeleton?) on the tip. Will this heal or should I be watching extra closely for more severe symptoms. It seems very healthy as of right now. I did a water change 2 days ago and checked the salinity level it's consistent with what it has been for a year now. I have a reef lobster, a few red legged hermits (small) a 2 damsels. These tank mates have been together for at least 7 months. The only thing concerning me is one of my damsels (Blue Devil) was badly beaten a few days ago, to the point where I had to get "rid" of him, and now the damsel who is the most aggressive (3 stripe) has been chasing the other (yellow tail) constantly and seems more aggressive towards the lobster. Could he have been the culprit to take a bite?? I am planning on exchanging the damsels within the next month or so for something a little more peaceful and challenging, but I'll remove immediately if it was the cause...

 

[SkiFletch]

Damsels or the lobster could be the culprit... Tough to say which

 

[smokinjoe2122]

It just seems odd after one was brutally beaten that the star has a piece missing. I am glad to have bought the damsels as it's helped with experience since I only have a year experience with marine tanks, but I will never buy another one. They're little ####s, started with 4, down to 2 from death from injury. I hope it's not the lobster, he's very cool, and has become a lot less shy. He also was almost a present from my g/f which means I'll never be getting rid of him lol... But even if the star has gotten an injury, he should be able to regenerate right?

 

[SkiFletch]

In theory yes, but don't be surprised if it ends up getting an infection and passes... It's not like these things have antibiotic ointments they can put on their wounds