Common name: Royal Starfish
General information
The Royal Starfish, scientifically known as Astropecten aranciacus, is a striking species of sea star native to the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic coasts. It is easily recognizable by its vibrant orange or red coloration and the distinctive pattern of white marginal plates along the tips of its arms. This species typically has five arms, although specimens with more due to regeneration can occasionally be found.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Carnivore Feeds on benthic invertebrates.
- Reefsafe
- No May consume small inverts.
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumEchinodermsEchinodermata
- ClassStarfishAsteroidea
- OrderSand StarsPaxillosida
- FamilySand Sifting StarfishAstropectinidae
- GenusSand Sifting StarfishAstropecten
- SpeciesRoyal StarfishAstropecten aranciacus (Linnaeus, 1758)
- SynonymsAsterias aranciaca Linnaeus, 1758Asterias aurantiaca Tiedemann, 1816Astropecten antarcticus Studer, 1876Astropecten aurantiaca Gray, 1840Astropecten crenaster Dujardin & Hupé, 1862Astropecten meridionalis Studer, 1876Astropecten perarmatus Perrier, 1869
Care
In the aquarium, Royal Starfish require a well-established sand bed where they can hunt for their natural prey, which includes mollusks and small invertebrates. They are sensitive to water quality and require stable conditions with low levels of nitrates and phosphates. Care should be taken to ensure that tank mates are not aggressive towards echinoderms.
Reproduction
Astropecten aranciacus reproduces by releasing eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but with optimal conditions, it is possible to observe spawning behavior.
Habitat
This sea star is commonly found in sandy and muddy substrates, often partially buried. They are adapted to a range of depths, from shallow waters to depths of over 100 meters. Their habitat choice reflects their feeding habits, as they are active predators of benthic invertebrates.