Family

Common name: Starfish

Scientific name: Asteriidae

Asteriidae is a family of echinoderms that includes many popular starfish species found in home aquariums. Members of this family are known for their classic star shape, with multiple arms radiating from a central disc. They are generally hardy and can be beneficial in controlling populations of invertebrates that may become pests, such as small snails or bivalves. However, some species may prey on corals or slow-moving fish, so it's important to research individual species before adding them to a reef tank. They exhibit fascinating behaviors such as regenerating lost arms and have a unique feeding mechanism where they can extrude their stomachs to digest food externally.

  1. Northern Pacific Seastar (Asterias amurensis) in Japan
    Common name: Northern Pacific Seastar
    Scientific name: Asterias amurensis
  2. étoile de mer commune (Asterias rubens).
    Common name: Northern Sea Star
    Scientific name: Asterias rubens
  3. Étoile de mer épineuse - coscinasterias tenuispina
    Common name: white starfish
    Scientific name: Coscinasterias tenuispina
  4. Spiny starfish (Marthasterias glacialis) in Mediterranean Sea
    Common name: spiny starfish
    Scientific name: Marthasterias glacialis