Genus
Common name: Spiny Starfish
Scientific name: Marthasterias
Marthasterias is a genus of starfish in the family Asteriidae, commonly known as the Spiny Starfish. These starfish are characterized by their robust and spiny appearance, with species such as Marthasterias glacialis being popular in the aquarium trade for their unique look and predatory behavior. They are known to feed on a variety of invertebrates and can be beneficial in controlling pest populations in a reef tank. However, their predatory nature means they should be kept with caution around smaller or delicate tank inhabitants.