Common name: spiny starfish

Scientific name: Marthasterias glacialis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Spiny starfish (Marthasterias glacialis) in Mediterranean SeaA Spiny sea star (Marthasterias glacialis) on the ocean bottom surrounded by some seagrass
Arm of dead spiny starfish (Marthasterias glacialis) on sea bottom, Aegean Sea, Greece, HalkidikiMarthasterias glacialis

General information

The Spiny Starfish, Marthasterias glacialis, is a species of starfish found in the northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its robust and spiny appearance, with five arms that can reach up to 70 centimeters in length. The body color varies from greenish to brownish, often mottled with red or purple. This starfish is an opportunistic feeder, preying on a variety of invertebrates and even small fish.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
200 liter (53 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
Temperature
8 to 12 °C (46 to 54 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.3
Average size
65 cm (2′2″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Requires stable conditions
Diet
Carnivore Feeds on mollusks and detritus
Reefsafe
No May prey on mollusks
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be predatory
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Echinoderms
    Echinodermata
  3. Class
    Starfish
    Asteroidea
  4. Order
    Starfish
    Forcipulatida
  5. Family
    Starfish
    Asteriidae
  6. Genus
    Spiny Starfish
    Marthasterias
  7. Species
    spiny starfish
    Marthasterias glacialis (Linnaeus, 1758)
  8. Synonyms
    Archaster typicus Rho, 1971
    Asteracanthion africanus Müller & Troschel, 1842
    Asteracanthion glacialis Müller & Troschel, 1842
    Asteracanthion webbianum Dujardin & Hupé, 1862
    Asterias africana Perrier, 1875
    Asterias angulosa Abildgaard in O.F. Müller, 1788
    Asterias echinophora Delle Chiaje, 1827
    Asterias glacialis Linnaeus, 1758
    Asterias glacialis O.F. Müller, 1776
    Asterias madeirensis Stimpson, 1862
    Asterias rarispina Perrier, 1875
    Asterias spinosa Pennant, 1777
    Asterias undulata O.F. Mueller, 1784
    Coscinasterias glacialis Perrier, 1894
    Marthasterias africana (Müller & Troschel, 1842)
    Marthasterias foliacea Jullien, 1878
    Marthasterias rarispina (Perrier, 1875)
    Stellonia angulosa L. Agassiz, 1836
    Stellonia glacialis Nardo, 1834
    Stellonia webbiana d'Orbigny, 1839

Care

In the aquarium, Marthasterias glacialis requires a spacious tank with plenty of live rock to explore and hunt for food. They are not suitable for reef tanks as they may prey on other invertebrates and small fish. A varied diet that mimics their natural food sources, such as mussels, shrimp, and other meaty foods, is essential for their well-being.

Reproduction

Spiny Starfish are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. In sexual reproduction, they release eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs. Asexual reproduction can occur through arm regeneration if an arm is detached; a new starfish can potentially grow from the severed limb.

Habitat

Marthasterias glacialis is typically found in rocky subtidal zones, from the low tide mark down to depths of several hundred meters. They are often seen in areas with strong currents which bring a steady supply of food. Their range extends from the coasts of the British Isles to the Mediterranean Sea, including the North Sea and parts of the African coast.