Common name: arctic cushion star
General information
The Hippasteria Sea Star, or Phrygian Sea Star, is a deep-sea starfish species known for its distinctive appearance and preference for cold-water habitats. Unlike many other starfish, Hippasteria phrygiana is not commonly found in shallow reef environments, making it a rare and intriguing addition to specialized cold-water marine aquariums.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 100 liter (26 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumEchinodermsEchinodermata
- ClassStarfishAsteroidea
- OrderStarfishValvatida
- FamilySea StarsGoniasteridae
- GenusHippasteria Sea StarsHippasteria
- Speciesarctic cushion starHippasteria phrygiana (Parelius, 1768)
- SynonymsAsterias equestris Linnaeus, 1758Asterias equestris de Lamarck, 1816Asterias johnstoni Gray in Johnston, 1836Asterias phrygiana Parelius, 1768Astrogonium aculeatum Barrett, 1857Astrogonium phrygianum (Parelius, 1768)Goniaster abbensis Gray, 1843Goniaster equestris (Linnaeus, 1758)Goniaster phrygianus (Parelius, 1768)Hippasteria aleutica Clark & Jewett, 2011Hippasteria argentinensis Bernasconi, 1961Hippasteria colossa Djakonov, 1950Hippasteria cornuta Gray, 1840Hippasteria derjungini Djakonov, 1950Hippasteria europaea Gray, 1840Hippasteria hyadesi Perrier, 1891Hippasteria insignis Dons, 1938Hippasteria johnstoni (Gray, 1836)Hippasteria kurilensis Fisher, 1911Hippasteria leiopelta armata Fisher, 1911
Care
Caring for Hippasteria Sea Stars requires a well-maintained system that can replicate their natural deep-sea environment. This includes stable, low temperatures and low light conditions. They are sensitive to changes in water quality, so excellent filtration and regular water testing are crucial. Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates and detritus, so providing a variety of appropriate foods is essential for their health.
Reproduction
Reproduction in Hippasteria Sea Stars is not well-documented in home aquariums due to their rarity and specific requirements. In the wild, they reproduce by releasing gametes into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally. Captive breeding is challenging and not commonly reported among hobbyists.
Habitat
Hippasteria phrygiana is typically found at depths ranging from 200 to 600 meters, where the water is cold and the light is dim. They inhabit areas with soft substrates, such as mud or fine sand, which provide a habitat for the small invertebrates they feed on. In the aquarium, simulating this environment is key to their well-being.