Starfish

Starfish, also known as sea stars, are fascinating echinoderms that are popular in the reefkeeping hobby due to their unique shapes and vibrant colors. These marine invertebrates are not only visually captivating but also play a vital role in the ecosystem of an aquarium. Starfish can be found in a variety of habitats, from tropical coral reefs to cold deep-sea environments. They have a remarkable ability to regenerate lost arms, which is both a survival mechanism and a point of interest for hobbyists. Some species can even reproduce asexually by splitting their bodies and regenerating into two separate individuals.

When considering adding starfish to your aquarium, it is important to understand their specific care requirements. Most starfish are sensitive to changes in water quality and require stable, well-maintained environments. They often prefer a sandy or rocky substrate where they can forage for food. Many starfish are detritivores, feeding on decomposing organic material, algae, and small invertebrates. However, some species have specialized diets; for example, the Acanthaster planci feeds primarily on coral polyps, which can be detrimental to a reef tank.

Compatibility with other tank inhabitants is another crucial aspect to consider. While many starfish are peaceful and can coexist with a variety of marine life, some species may prey on sessile invertebrates or smaller fish. It is essential to research the specific species of starfish you are interested in to ensure it will be a suitable addition to your aquarium. Additionally, starfish are known to be escape artists, so a secure lid on the tank is recommended to prevent any adventurous individuals from climbing out.

In summary, starfish can be a unique and intriguing addition to a saltwater aquarium, offering both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits. Their care requires attention to water quality, diet, and compatibility with other tank inhabitants. By understanding the needs and behaviors of these remarkable creatures, hobbyists can enjoy the beauty and diversity that starfish bring to the marine environment.

1. 
   Common name: Crown-of-Thorns Starfish

   Scientific name: Acanthaster planci
2. 
   Common name: brittlestar

   Scientific name: Amphiura filiformis
3. Common name: Burton's Starfish

   Scientific name: Aquilonastra burtoni
4. 
   Common name: Sand Sifting Starfish

   Scientific name: Archaster angulatus
5. 
   Common name: Indo-Pacific Beach Star

   Scientific name: Archaster typicus
6. 
   Common name: Japanese common starfish

   Scientific name: Asterias amurensis
7. 
   Common name: Northern Sea Star

   Scientific name: Asterias rubens
8. 
   Common name: Asterina Starfish

   Scientific name: Asterina anomala
9. Common name: sheriff-badge sea star

   Scientific name: Asteropsis carinifera
10. Common name: Anderson's Sand Star

    Scientific name: Astropecten andersoni
11. 
    Common name: Royal Starfish

    Scientific name: Astropecten aranciacus
12. 
    Common name: Bispinosus Sand Star

    Scientific name: Astropecten bispinosus
13. 
    Common name: Sand Sifting Starfish

    Scientific name: Astropecten jonstoni
14. 
    Common name: comb star

    Scientific name: Astropecten polyacanthus
15. 
    Common name: Giant Basket Star

    Scientific name: Astrophyton muricatum
16. 
    Common name: Red Brittle Star

    Scientific name: Chaetaster longipes
17. 
    Common name: granulated sea star

    Scientific name: Choriaster granulatus
18. 
    Common name: white starfish

    Scientific name: Coscinasterias tenuispina
19. 
    Common name: pin-cushion sea star

    Scientific name: Culcita novaeguineae
20. 
    Common name: cushion star

    Scientific name: Culcita schmideliana
21. 
    Common name: Eccentric sand dollar

    Scientific name: Dendraster excentricus
22. 
    Common name: Warty sea star

    Scientific name: Echinaster callosus
23. 
    Common name: Luzon Sea Star

    Scientific name: Echinaster luzonicus
24. 
    Common name: Red starfish

    Scientific name: Echinaster sepositus
25. 
    Common name: Orange spotted purple sea star

    Scientific name: Fromia elegans
26. 
    Common name: Ghardaqa Sea Star

    Scientific name: Fromia ghardaqana
27. 
    Common name: Indian Sea Star

    Scientific name: Fromia indica
28. 
    Common name: Red Starfish

    Scientific name: Fromia milleporella
29. 
    Common name: Red Tile Starfish

    Scientific name: Fromia monilis
30. 
    Common name: Red Sea Star

    Scientific name: Fromia nodosa
31. 
    Common name: Red Starfish

    Scientific name: Fromia polypora
32. 
    Common name: smooth starfish

    Scientific name: Hacelia attenuata
33. 
    Common name: Pacific blood star

    Scientific name: Henricia leviuscula
34. 
    Common name: Bloody Henry starfish

    Scientific name: Henricia oculata
35. 
    Common name: arctic cushion star

    Scientific name: Hippasteria phrygiana
36. 
    Common name: icon star

    Scientific name: Iconaster longimanus
37. 
    Common name: Leather Star

    Scientific name: Leiaster coriaceus
38. 
    Common name: velvety sea star

    Scientific name: Leiaster speciosus
39. 
    Common name: Blue Linckia Starfish

    Scientific name: Linckia guildingi
40. 
    Common name: blue sea star

    Scientific name: Linckia laevigata
41. 
    Common name: Blue Linckia Starfish

    Scientific name: Linckia multifora
42. 
    Common name: Seven-armed starfish

    Scientific name: Luidia ciliaris
43. 
    Common name: seven armed sea star

    Scientific name: Luidia maculata
44. Common name: Variable Brittle Star

    Scientific name: Macrophiothrix variabilis
45. 
    Common name: spiny starfish

    Scientific name: Marthasterias glacialis
46. Common name: Bradley's Sea Star

    Scientific name: Mithrodia bradleyi
47. 
    Common name: nail sea star

    Scientific name: Mithrodia clavigera
48. 
    Common name: Nardoa frianti

    Scientific name: Nardoa frianti
49. 
    Common name: Galathea Sea Star

    Scientific name: Nardoa galathea
50. 
    Common name: Nardoa Starfish

    Scientific name: Nardoa galatheae
51. 
    Common name: Nardoa Starfish

    Scientific name: Nardoa novaecaledoniae
52. 
    Common name: Rose Sea Star

    Scientific name: Nardoa rosea
53. Common name: Nardoa Tuberculata

    Scientific name: Nardoa tuberculata
54. 
    Common name: Blue Sea Star

    Scientific name: Neoferdina cumingi
55. 
    Common name: Chocolate Chip Sea Star

    Scientific name: Neoferdina glyptodisca
56. 
    Common name: Red Knob Sea Star

    Scientific name: Neoferdina insolita
57. 
    Common name: Conspicuous Sea Cucumber

    Scientific name: Opheodesoma spectabilis
58. Common name: savigny's brittle star

    Scientific name: Ophiactis savignyi
59. 
    Common name: Green Brittle Star

    Scientific name: Ophiarachna affinis
60. 
    Common name: Green Brittle Star

    Scientific name: Ophiarachna incrassata
61. 
    Common name: purple seastar

    Scientific name: Ophidiaster ophidianus
62. 
    Common name: black brittle star

    Scientific name: Ophiocoma echinata
63. Common name: banded ophiocoma

    Scientific name: Ophiocoma pumila
64. 
    Common name: Brittle Star

    Scientific name: Ophiocoma scolopendrina
65. 
    Common name: red ophiocoma

    Scientific name: Ophiocoma wendtii
66. Common name: harlequin brittle star

    Scientific name: Ophioderma appressa
67. Common name: Short-spined brittle star

    Scientific name: Ophioderma brevispina
68. 
    Common name: Red Brittle Star

    Scientific name: Ophioderma phoenia
69. 
    Common name: ruby brittle star

    Scientific name: Ophioderma rubicunda
70. 
    Common name: Banded Brittle Star

    Scientific name: Ophiolepis superba
71. 
    Common name: black brittle star

    Scientific name: Ophiomastix variabilis
72. Common name: slimy brittle star

    Scientific name: Ophiomyxa flaccida
73. 
    Common name: Brittle Star

    Scientific name: Ophionereis porrecta
74. 
    Common name: Banded Brittle Star

    Scientific name: Ophionereis schayeri
75. 
    Common name: common brittlestar

    Scientific name: Ophiothrix fragilis
76. 
    Common name: Purple Brittle Star

    Scientific name: Ophiothrix purpurea
77. 
    Common name: Sponge brittle star

    Scientific name: Ophiothrix suensoni
78. 
    Common name: Brittle Star

    Scientific name: Ophiura albida
79. 
    Common name: serpent star

    Scientific name: Ophiura ophiura
80. 
    Common name: red cushion sea star

    Scientific name: Oreaster reticulatus
81. 
    Common name: Bat star

    Scientific name: Patiria miniata
82. 
    Common name: Knobby Sea Star

    Scientific name: Pentaceraster mammillatus
83. 
    Common name: vermillion seastar

    Scientific name: Pentagonaster duebeni
84. 
    Common name: red cushion stat

    Scientific name: Porania pulvillus
85. 
    Common name: red knobbed starfish

    Scientific name: Protoreaster lincki
86. 
    Common name: chocolate chip starfish

    Scientific name: Protoreaster nodosus
87. 
    Common name: Chocolate Chip Sea Star

    Scientific name: Tamaria stria
88. 
    Common name: Giant Sea Star

    Scientific name: Thromidia catalai
89. 
    Common name: Mottled Sea Star

    Scientific name: Tosia australis