When we got home we boiled it for a couple of minutes and now it's drying but I don't want it to develop the fishy smell, have to throw it away and break her heart as well as totally wasting a bit of nature. Any suggestions?
2006-07-03 15:50:00 · 10 answers · asked by Californiamama 5 in Environment
The best way to preserve a starfish is to soak it in 70% isopropyl alcohol overnight. After doing this let it dry out real well on a paper towel, out in the sun if at all possible. You might also want to weigh down the legs so that it does not curl up as it dries.
2006-07-03 15:53:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
And I suggest that you continue to let your daughter be a curious-minded and active little girl--ignore the joker above! I hope you told her though to leave sea animals in the sea in future though.
If you can't sun dry or if it's damp or cloudy outside, try baking it. I know that sounds weird but I've preserved a number of ento specimens that way. Just put the heat low--say 150 degrees F. Sea stars don't have a lot of fleshy bits to rot out, so you'll probably be okay.
2006-07-03 17:22:05 · answer #2 · answered by nemo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Suequek that the best way is to sun dry them and then soak in diluted bleach for a day to sterilize and deodorize them. We live on the ocean and have done it many times.
2006-07-03 16:04:14 · answer #3 · answered by edgar c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to soak it in a bleach and water solution. Then let it dry. The bleach will kill bacteria and odor! You should do the same thing with shells.
2006-07-03 15:56:23 · answer #4 · answered by suequek 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put it in an air dry bag.
2006-07-03 15:52:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you realize you are breaking the law?
Do you not watch your daughter while at the beach?If she found a star fish and was able to keep it from you till it died then you evidently don't need to be taking your daughter to the beach,NEXT time it may be a jellyfish,or a dirty hypo,or she may drown.I SUGGEST YOU LEARN TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR DAUGHTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-07-03 16:45:51 · answer #6 · answered by jgmafb 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Leave it in the ocean.
2006-07-03 15:53:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
put it under a strong (hot) light.....and let it dry
2006-07-03 18:34:35 · answer #8 · answered by Noel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sun dry it!
2006-07-03 15:52:26 · answer #9 · answered by matgrouper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
formaldehyde
2006-07-03 15:52:57 · answer #10 · answered by Shane S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋