Common name: Seven-armed starfish

General information

The Seven-armed Starfish, Luidia ciliaris, is a striking species of starfish found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and parts of the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its seven long, slender arms and its ability to move quickly across the sea floor. This starfish can reach a significant size, with a diameter up to 60 centimeters including its arms. Its coloration varies from pale yellow to orange or reddish-brown, often with lighter spots.

Care

Luidia ciliaris is not commonly kept in home aquariums due to its large size and predatory nature. It feeds on a variety of invertebrates, including mollusks, crustaceans, and other echinoderms. If a hobbyist wishes to keep this starfish, a very large tank with a sandy bottom is necessary to accommodate its size and burrowing behavior. It is also important to note that this species may predate on other tank inhabitants.

Reproduction

The reproduction of Luidia ciliaris involves external fertilization, where females release eggs into the water column to be fertilized by sperm from males. The larvae are planktonic and go through several developmental stages before settling on the substrate and metamorphosing into juvenile starfish.

Habitat

Luidia ciliaris is typically found in sandy or muddy substrates, from the intertidal zone down to depths of about 200 meters. It is often observed partially buried in the substrate, using its arms to detect and capture prey. This species is adapted to a range of temperatures and salinities, reflecting its distribution across various marine environments in its native range.