Common name: Northern Sea Star
General information
The Common Starfish, Asterias rubens, is a species of starfish found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. It is one of the most familiar starfish species and is known for its robust, five-armed radial symmetry. The coloration of Asterias rubens can vary widely, including shades of orange, red, and brown. They play a significant role in the marine ecosystem as both predator and prey.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 10 to 24 °C (50 to 75 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.3
- Average size
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers mussels, detritus, small inverts.
- Reefsafe
- No May consume small invertebrates.
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumEchinodermsEchinodermata
- ClassStarfishAsteroidea
- OrderStarfishForcipulatida
- FamilyStarfishAsteriidae
- GenusStarfishAsterias
- SpeciesNorthern Sea StarAsterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758
- SynonymsAsteracanthion distichum Brandt, 1851Asteracanthion rubens Müller & Troschel, 1842Asteracanthion violaceus Müller & Troschel, 1842Asterias attenuata Bell, 1891Asterias clathrata Pennant, 1777Asterias disticha Sladen, 1889Asterias fabricii Perrier, 1875Asterias gigantea Bell, 1891Asterias glacialis Pennant, 1777Asterias holsatica Retzius, 1805Asterias minuta Linnaeus, 1761Asterias murrayi Bell, 1891Asterias pallida Perrier, 1875Asterias rubens violacea O.F. Müller, 1776Asterias spinosa Say, 1825Asterias stimpsoni Verrill, 1866Asterias violacea O.F. Mueller, 1788Asterias vulgaris Packard, 1863Asterias vulgaris Verrill, 1866Stellonia rubens Nardo, 1834
Care
In the aquarium, Asterias rubens requires a well-established system with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate to mimic its natural habitat. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of foods, including mussels, detritus, and carrion. It's important to ensure that the starfish is not preying on other desirable invertebrates in the tank.
Reproduction
Common Starfish are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. They usually spawn in the spring and summer, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. Additionally, they can regenerate lost limbs, and in some cases, a new individual can grow from a single severed limb.
Habitat
Asterias rubens is commonly found in a range of habitats from tidal pools to subtidal zones, often seen on rocky substrates, and occasionally on mud or sand. They can be found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone down to about 200 meters.
Geographical distribution includes the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic coasts of Europe from Norway to the Azores and the Canary Islands.