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.
- Common name: Crown-of-Thorns StarfishScientific name: Acanthaster planci
- Common name: brittlestarScientific name: Amphiura filiformis
- Common name: Burton's StarfishScientific name: Aquilonastra burtoni
- Common name: Sand Sifting StarfishScientific name: Archaster angulatus
- Common name: Indo-Pacific Beach StarScientific name: Archaster typicus
- Common name: Northern Pacific SeastarScientific name: Asterias amurensis
- Common name: Northern Sea StarScientific name: Asterias rubens
- Common name: Asterina StarfishScientific name: Asterina anomala
- Common name: sheriff-badge sea starScientific name: Asteropsis carinifera
- Common name: Anderson's Sand StarScientific name: Astropecten andersoni
- Common name: Royal StarfishScientific name: Astropecten aranciacus
- Common name: Bispinosus Sand StarScientific name: Astropecten bispinosus
- Common name: Sand Sifting StarfishScientific name: Astropecten jonstoni
- Common name: comb starScientific name: Astropecten polyacanthus
- Common name: Giant Basket StarScientific name: Astrophyton muricatum
- Common name: Red Brittle StarScientific name: Chaetaster longipes
- Common name: Granulated Sea StarScientific name: Choriaster granulatus
- Common name: white starfishScientific name: Coscinasterias tenuispina
- Common name: pin-cushion sea starScientific name: Culcita novaeguineae
- Common name: cushion starScientific name: Culcita schmideliana
- Common name: Eccentric sand dollarScientific name: Dendraster excentricus
- Common name: Warty sea starScientific name: Echinaster callosus
- Common name: Luzon Sea StarScientific name: Echinaster luzonicus
- Common name: Red starfishScientific name: Echinaster sepositus
- Common name: Orange spotted purple sea starScientific name: Fromia elegans
- Common name: Ghardaqa Sea StarScientific name: Fromia ghardaqana
- Common name: Indian Sea StarScientific name: Fromia indica
- Common name: Red StarfishScientific name: Fromia milleporella
- Common name: Red Tile StarfishScientific name: Fromia monilis
- Common name: Red Sea StarScientific name: Fromia nodosa
- Common name: Red StarfishScientific name: Fromia polypora
- Common name: smooth starfishScientific name: Hacelia attenuata
- Common name: Pacific blood starScientific name: Henricia leviuscula
- Common name: Bloody Henry starfishScientific name: Henricia oculata
- Common name: arctic cushion starScientific name: Hippasteria phrygiana
- Common name: icon starScientific name: Iconaster longimanus
- Common name: Leather StarScientific name: Leiaster coriaceus
- Common name: velvety sea starScientific name: Leiaster speciosus
- Common name: Blue Linckia StarfishScientific name: Linckia guildingi
- Common name: blue sea starScientific name: Linckia laevigata
- Common name: Blue Linckia StarfishScientific name: Linckia multifora
- Common name: Seven-armed starfishScientific name: Luidia ciliaris
- Common name: seven armed sea starScientific name: Luidia maculata
- Common name: Variable Brittle StarScientific name: Macrophiothrix variabilis
- Common name: spiny starfishScientific name: Marthasterias glacialis
- Common name: Bradley's Sea StarScientific name: Mithrodia bradleyi
- Common name: nail sea starScientific name: Mithrodia clavigera
- Common name: Nardoa friantiScientific name: Nardoa frianti
- Common name: Galathea Sea StarScientific name: Nardoa galathea
- Common name: Brown Mesh Sea StarScientific name: Nardoa galatheae
- Common name: Nardoa StarfishScientific name: Nardoa novaecaledoniae
- Common name: Rose Sea StarScientific name: Nardoa rosea
- Common name: Nardoa TuberculataScientific name: Nardoa tuberculata
- Common name: Blue Sea StarScientific name: Neoferdina cumingi
- Common name: Chocolate Chip Sea StarScientific name: Neoferdina glyptodisca
- Common name: Red Knob Sea StarScientific name: Neoferdina insolita
- Common name: Conspicuous Sea CucumberScientific name: Opheodesoma spectabilis
- Common name: savigny's brittle starScientific name: Ophiactis savignyi
- Common name: Green Brittle StarScientific name: Ophiarachna affinis
- Common name: Green Brittle StarScientific name: Ophiarachna incrassata
- Common name: purple seastarScientific name: Ophidiaster ophidianus
- Common name: black brittle starScientific name: Ophiocoma echinata
- Common name: banded ophiocomaScientific name: Ophiocoma pumila
- Common name: Brittle StarScientific name: Ophiocoma scolopendrina
- Common name: red ophiocomaScientific name: Ophiocoma wendtii
- Common name: harlequin brittle starScientific name: Ophioderma appressa
- Common name: Short-spined brittle starScientific name: Ophioderma brevispina
- Common name: Red Brittle StarScientific name: Ophioderma phoenia
- Common name: ruby brittle starScientific name: Ophioderma rubicunda
- Common name: Banded Brittle StarScientific name: Ophiolepis superba
- Common name: black brittle starScientific name: Ophiomastix variabilis
- Common name: slimy brittle starScientific name: Ophiomyxa flaccida
- Common name: Brittle StarScientific name: Ophionereis porrecta
- Common name: Banded Brittle StarScientific name: Ophionereis schayeri
- Common name: common brittlestarScientific name: Ophiothrix fragilis
- Common name: Purple Brittle StarScientific name: Ophiothrix purpurea
- Common name: Sponge brittle starScientific name: Ophiothrix suensoni
- Common name: Brittle StarScientific name: Ophiura albida
- Common name: serpent starScientific name: Ophiura ophiura
- Common name: red cushion sea starScientific name: Oreaster reticulatus
- Common name: Bat StarScientific name: Patiria miniata
- Common name: Knobby Sea StarScientific name: Pentaceraster mammillatus
- Common name: vermillion seastarScientific name: Pentagonaster duebeni
- Common name: red cushion statScientific name: Porania pulvillus
- Common name: Red-knobbed StarfishScientific name: Protoreaster lincki
- Common name: Chocolate Chip Sea StarScientific name: Protoreaster nodosus
- Common name: Chocolate Chip Sea StarScientific name: Tamaria stria
- Common name: Giant Sea StarScientific name: Thromidia catalai
- Common name: Mottled Sea StarScientific name: Tosia australis