Common name: spiny starfish
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumEchinodermsEchinodermata
- ClassStarfishAsteroidea
- OrderStarfishForcipulatida
- FamilyStarfishAsteriidae
- GenusSpiny StarfishMarthasterias
- Speciesspiny starfishMarthasterias glacialis (Linnaeus, 1758)
- SynonymsArchaster typicus Rho, 1971Asteracanthion africanus Müller & Troschel, 1842Asteracanthion glacialis Müller & Troschel, 1842Asteracanthion webbianum Dujardin & Hupé, 1862Asterias africana Perrier, 1875Asterias angulosa Abildgaard in O.F. Müller, 1788Asterias echinophora Delle Chiaje, 1827Asterias glacialis Linnaeus, 1758Asterias glacialis O.F. Müller, 1776Asterias madeirensis Stimpson, 1862Asterias rarispina Perrier, 1875Asterias spinosa Pennant, 1777Asterias undulata O.F. Mueller, 1784Coscinasterias glacialis Perrier, 1894Marthasterias africana (Müller & Troschel, 1842)Marthasterias foliacea Jullien, 1878Marthasterias rarispina (Perrier, 1875)Stellonia angulosa L. Agassiz, 1836Stellonia glacialis Nardo, 1834Stellonia 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.