Reef tank starfish. Most species feed on detritus and do not pose a threat although others have reported to feed on Starfish are unique and vibrant echinoderms popular in reef aquariums. However, there is often a debate among pet owners about whether or not these creatures are reef safe. Whether you choose a Brittle Starfish, Serpent Starfish, Sand Sifting Starfish, Chocolate Chip Starfish, Blue Linckia Starfish, Red Fromia Starfish, or Fancy Tiger Striped Starfish, you are sure to add a touch of elegance and beauty to your reef tank. Dec 14, 2018 · i have just acquired a new anemone attached to a piece of live rock. Dec 26, 2014 · Someone recently asked me about keeping a sea star in a nano tank. Known for its moderate care level and unique shape, it's a mesmerizing addition to reef tanks. ) Minimum Tank Size: 20 gal Max Size: 7” Food/Feeding: Omnivore A handsome reddish-orange starfish with white spots. While their growth is somewhat limited by available food and tank space, starfish can still become substantial, visually striking residents, often serving as the centerpiece of a reef or invertebrate tank. Starfish are fascinating creatures that can make a unique addition to your reef tank. I was looking at getting a fire and ice zoa and a star fish I found a Ehinaster spinulosus or orange starfish and was wondering if it could be in my 10 gallon. Fromia Starfish. This five-limbed invertebrate is a born scavenger that spends its evenings searching the bottom of the tank for odds and ends to eat. Sep 11, 2021 · Help me, my nano has 17 gallons and I would love to have a starfish, that survives and thrives only mainly left overs. Each one has its own color and needs. At Pete’s Aquariums & Fish we stock a variety of Starfish for your aquarium community including: Red Serpent Starfish, Red Sea Stars, Sand Sifting Sea Star, Cushion Starfish, Banded Brittle Starfish, Pink Sea Stars, and more. Starfish vary widely in size depending on the species, but most commonly kept varieties in home aquariums reach 3 to 12 inches in diameter when fully grown. Scientific Name: Echinaster sentus Reef Compatibility: Yes (A larger specimen could be harmful to clams, sponges, and small anemones in the reef aquarium. Mar 28, 2023 · I've read countless articles discussing how Red Fromia starfish are prone to starving to death in home aquariums. Jun 22, 2020 · If it was thriving in the tank then the Harlequin would always have something to eat. Harlequin eat "Tube footed" animals, such as regular starfish and sea cucumbers and Urchins. Jan 23, 2020 · Hello I’ve been noticing for awhile now when changing my filter sock that there has been a huge amount of micro brittle starfish inside it. Oct 21, 2021 · Asterina Starfish is a marine invertebrate that prefers a coarse substrate such as stones, rocks, and sand. This species is known for its hardiness and the role it plays in the natural cleanup crew by consuming detritus and 13 Popular Types of Saltwater Starfish for Aquariums A saltwater aquarium would not be complete without starfish. Jun 15, 2023 · Asterina starfish, those tiny creatures often found clinging to the rocks and glass of your reef tank, have sparked considerable debate among aquarists. They are reef-safe starfish and will spend most of their time eating and living off the debris and waste food particles that will find anywhere in the tank. Are they beneficial or harmful? Do they pose a threat to precious corals such as zoas? And how can you effectively control their population if necessary? Feb 26, 2023 · It's easy to underestimate how much a single star can eat, and unless you have a very large tank that has years of build up, the starfish will likley starve to death once it quickly cleans up your tank. Anyone have any clues? They get plenty of food so I don’t think that is what is going on. Are these starfish, known as Asterina, aquarium friends or foes? Should you get rid of 4 days ago · This care guide covers essential points to keep your good-looking Chocolate Chip Starfish healthy for up to two decades! Looking to add something spectacular and unusual to your reef aquarium? We would like to recommend the fascinating, docile, and reef-safe Serpent (Brittle) starfish for your consideration. Learn about their care requirements, diet, and compatibility with other tank inhabitants. Suggestions? I need it to be reef and fish safe. I understand that the brittle starfishes are generally the best species to keep, but they honestly do not appeal to Mar 25, 2021 · What Are Mini Brittle Starfish? Mini brittle starfish, like serpent starfish, play an essential part in sustaining the hygiene of most saltwater habitats. Aug 5, 2019 · Brittle Starfish Updated August 5, 2019 Author: Mike - FishLore Admin Social Media: The Brittle Starfish is one of those reef invertebrates that is often hidden away during the day. I wanted to share with the community the success I've had feeding these starfish powdered Polyp Lab Reef Roids, as a means of supplementing their diet. You’ll also learn about their average size and how long they live, ensuring they stay healthy in your aquarium. May 3, 2022 · Guide to Common Hitchhikers in Reef Tanks by @A Young reefer The purpose of this thread is to hopefully assist hobbyists in obtaining the correct id and method of treatment to common hitchhikers. My understanding, is that they need a larger, mature aquarium with a decent sand-bed. Watch Sep 15, 2024 · The most common reef aquarium pests are aiptasea anemones, coral-eating nudibranchs, AEWF, planaria, red bugs, bristle worms, Majano anemones, and asterina starfish. Keep reading for more information on this fascinating sea creature and how you can care for the Chocolate Chip Starfish in marine tanks. No brittle's (not cute enough) any suggestions? Need to be reef safe Aug 4, 2008 · 10 Gal nano tank been up for 2 mo now, wife is begging for a cute small starfish. EDIT: According to a college edition book on invertebrate zoology my initial information that basket starfish disregard phytoplankton was incorrect. Shop our collection of saltwater starfish, including Micro Brittle, Sand Sifting, and Orange Linckia starfish. This starfish can also detect and remove harmful bacteria and other organisms that can cause problems for the tank inhabitants. We all know the drill: various creatures can hitchhike their way into our tanks on live rock or coral. Some are welcome additions, others can wreak havoc. I have a normal star fish actually a nardoa species rarely seen in aquariums, hes in my 135g i see him out all the time. While they are generally considered reef safe, it is important to provide them with a suitable environment, proper diet, and regular care to ensure their well-being. Starfish are popular additions to reef aquariums that contain live sand. Jun 2, 2021 · Many marine reef tank owners like myself, own Sand sifting starfish in our aquariums for a reason. Based on the residents you want in your aquarium will determine if this starfish is a benefit or burden. He insists that a 10 gallon is suitable and cites several websites confirming this. 001 of the LFS’s water can I just float acclimate? Mar 24, 2021 · Starfish is a famous sea creature you may witness across many reef tanks. once you start getting hundreds in your system, they do pose a real problem, and alot of extra work. They usually hitchhike on live rock into newly established tanks. These small creatures can be a nuisance in a reef tank, as they can multiply quickly and consume corals and other invertebrates. Exhibits several color phases within the species. Mar 6, 2020 · Also I heard starfish are more demanding than a lot of fish when it comes to tank maturity / tank conditions but not sure if that’s true. Jul 5, 2016 · Another reef safe star I would also suggest looking at is linkia stars orange or purple were my favorites and seemed to hold up well. They got them in last month from Africa. This amazing marine invertebrate looks similar to the common starfish due to their body outline. . It has little tiny starfish on the rock, kinda misshapen. Hopefully, by the end of the article, you’ll feel confident adding them to your collocation too. I was wondering is this a good or bad thing? I’m thinking bad but yet I beleive I’ve A well-known example of the group is the crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), which appears in great numbers and can decimate corals across whole swathes of reef. I just wanted to know if they are a bad pest or are harmless and keep the tank clean. Also I see then a lot in the tank but nothing compared to the sock. It’s likely that this ‘outbreak’ of echinoderms is in fact the Asterina starfish. Aug 4, 2008 · 10 Gal nano tank been up for 2 mo now, wife is begging for a cute small starfish. My approach is to first turn off all the pumps in my aquarium. Mar 25, 2022 · So, I recently got my first coral, a pipe organ GSP on a mature rock from someone's ancient tank, coraline and all (Yay!) and my first hitchhikers (yay?). Keep an eye on salinity, temperature, and overall water Aug 8, 2025 · Is this a baby sand sifter? I have a large sand sifter starfish for about a year, today notices this small starfish on the glass, anyone able to id? Oct 15, 2020 · I have about 100 brittle starfish in my reef tank and they haven’t bothered any of my corals. Brittle stars generally take food very easily and can be considered part of the cleanup crew. As others have said, either they have specialized diets like linkia and sand sifters where they die from starvation in small tanks, or they are coral eats and not reef safe (choco stars). While you see them pretty often, not all kinds of starfish are to be kept in reef tanks. These kinds include the sand sifting sea star and the chocolate chip starfish. The reef tank inhabitants most likely to be harmed by a reef safe starfish on this list are the non-coral, non-mobile, or slow-moving invertebrates, like anemones, sponges, clams, mussels. I came home from work today and they are all at the top of the tank right on the edge of the water. Some species, like brittle stars, can live for several years, while others may only survive for a few months. If the salinity of my tank water is within 0. Most are brown/black in color. There are several species of starfish that are Feb 6, 2023 · Discover the top starfish species for your reef tank. By understanding their natural habitat and providing a suitable environment, aquarists can enjoy the dynamic presence of these intricate and fascinating creatures. Apr 7, 2018 · Lovemyreef2015 Reefing Mom! Reef Tank 365 My Tank Thread Joined May 21, 2017 Messages 6,122 Reaction score 30,536 Rating - 0% Nov 5, 2021 · I recently got some new coral and I found one asterina star came with the coral. In this article, we will explore the topic of chocolate chip starfish and their compatibility with reef tanks, as well as discuss some interesting trends General information The Red Sea Star, or Marble Starfish (Fromia monilis), is a striking marine invertebrate commonly found in the reef aquarium trade. Mar 13, 2025 · Find out everything you need to know about micro brittle starfish: are these common aquarium hitchhikers useful, or do they have to go? Chocolate chip starfish are a popular choice for saltwater aquarium enthusiasts due to their unique appearance and interesting behavior. Unlike the Atlantic Asterias, Echinaster is a well behaved, compatible Jan 27, 2023 · I feed my tank heavy - I grind up food, before broadcast feeding - so, I'm certain my homemade food is getting into rocks and crevices, that are also contributing to his diet. Jan 17, 2022 · Learn how to identify and control some of the most common pests, hitchhikers, and parasites found in a reef aquarium. You'll definitely want to learn more about their care. Ensure stable water parameters and plenty of live rock or sand for your starfish to thrive. Aug 2, 2006 · Posted August 10, 2006 i know a guy that had so many you couldnt see into the aquarium. Choose carefully and if you have a reef tank ensure you purchase a reef-safe species. Mar 9, 2022 · Some starfish, such as the sand sifting sea star, Astropecten polycanthus, are specifically chosen for their ability to stir up the sand in reef tanks. Dec 16, 2019 · I have a ton of little starfish that were Hitchhikers and a handful of snails in my tank. Serpent Starfish. While some species of Species Summary Like the stars in the sky, the Brittle Starfish comes out at night. Sand-Sifting Starfish. Are they pest or just more CUC? Thank you, Serpent starfish look bizarre, and they're tricky to handle. Reef-safe starfish make great aquarium additions. Looks like a small starfish??? Jul 27, 2018 · I removed some rocks from my tank a d stirred up the sand bed real good tonight and found this on my glass. They are probably harmless algal grazers and Mar 1, 2024 · I have a 10 gallon reef tank that currently has a clown fish, a candy cane coral, and a Xenia. Feb 9, 2013 · Choosing the right Starfish… You must be careful in your Starfish or Sea Star selection because some species can grow very large and/or are insatiable predators feasting on smaller fish and what ever other invertebrates they can get their 5 hands on. Mar 14, 2017 · Was hoping a bit for a nice guide to tropical starfish that thrive in reef tanks though compiled from your years of accumulated knowledge :-) I find that most starfish from the tropicals are specialists that tend to not fare well in tanks. Introduction: The Nov 13, 2024 · Hey, reef keeper! If you’re reading this, you probably woke up one morning to find an uninvited mini starfish in your tank (or maybe two, or even ten). ) - Colors Vary. The Sand Sifting Star would be a bad idea in a nano for feeding reasons (basically these guys eat We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Most pests can be eradicated using a coral dip, physical removal, or adding specific fish and invertebrates. But how many of us are actually housing one in our reef tanks? Let's talk about it today! 1. Do you have a starfish in your reef aquarium and if so what kind? 2. Can’t speak to serpent stars but I see them cleaning the rocks at night and catching anything in the water column that goes their way during Feedings. Our guide will tell you what you need to know how to properly care for starfish. How to Care for Saltwater Starfish Starfish are pretty low-maintenance, but they do need stable water conditions in their reef acquariums to stay healthy. Find the perfect aquarium starfish to add beauty to your marine tank. However, they are slightly easier to care for than feather starfish, but the level of difficulty is roughly the same. However, not all types of starfish are suitable for a reef tank environment, as some species can be harmful to coral and other marine life. May 24, 2024 · Basket starfish are a valuable addition to any reef aquarium, offering both aesthetic appeal and unique behaviours. Jun 7, 2020 · You best bet to see a atar fish woyld be to get a sandsifting starfish. Perfect for saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. If you find yourself intrigued by these starfish, you'll want to read on for keys to their care. They do keep the sand stirred up, but they also consume everything in live sand except the resident bacteria. It is easy to match a starfish to your environment by comparing just a few variables. Jul 20, 2021 · The Asterina Starfish is an easy to care for species. well i must have a rare one then, mine eats them all. However, it appears that the general consensus with most species is that they are more troublesome than they are worth. Any experts out there, that can give advice I can Dec 13, 2023 · If you have a reef tank, then you may have come across an asterina starfish at some point. 4 days ago · The lifespan of starfish in a reef tank varies depending on the species and the quality of care. Coral RX Coral Dip Pro Salifert Flatworm Exit #8 Asterina Starfish Asterina Starfish are the most common reef aquarium pest. true story, the glass was covered! (so were his rocks, sand,heater,filter etc. but in a small tank like that it might die from lack of food. Average sizes of popular aquarium In summary, chocolate chip starfish are fascinating creatures that can make a unique addition to a saltwater aquarium. May 15, 2022 · A sand sifting starfish helps to keep a reef tank clean by removing uneaten food and waste from the tank. Find out which starfish make the best additions to your aquarium and learn how to care for them properly. Nov 17, 2023 · How to Prevent Asterina Starfish You can prevent asterina starfish by dipping coral in Coral RX Coral Dip and/or Beyer (BioAdvanced) Insect Killer before adding them to your reef tank. Dec 8, 2017 · I have always found starfish to be pretty cool looking. Some May 26, 2019 · Brittle Starfish have a small central disk and long, thin arms that are fringed along their entire length. Mar 28, 2021 · How to care for a basket starfish? Basket starfish are not the easiest creature to care for. Aaa I’m so excited to get one soon and I do have lots of algae and I know you Mar 22, 2025 · This guide covers everything from their feeding habits to chocolate chip starfish care, ideal tank mates, and whether they are reef-safe. Brittle Starfish are absolutely fascinating to watch in the water due to their slinking, snaking motions. By understanding their natural habitat and providing a suitable environment, aquarists can enjoy the dynamic presence of these diligent cleaners. 1 day ago · Why Starfish Perish: Understanding Aquarium Starfish Mortality Starfish die in aquariums primarily due to difficulties in replicating their natural marine environment, especially concerning water quality, salinity stability, acclimation procedures, and the availability of appropriate food sources; understanding these factors is crucial for successful starfish keeping. The live rock I got is absolutely crawling with them. I’ve heard a lot of bad and good about them. Sep 22, 2024 · That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 6 reef safe starfish, all of which actually have a chance of survival! Okay, we’re starting off here by cheating a little bit, because brittle starfish are actually not true sea stars. All good things!! But mainly the fact that they are in the same sized tank. Still, with five arms and a central body, we’d say they’re pretty close. Starfish are attractive and keep your aquarium clean. Brittle starfish (members of the Ophiuroidea Family) are interesting marine invertebrates. The tank should be at least a few months old before sand stars or linkias are added. The Blue Linckia Starfish boasts a stunning deep blue hue, adding a serene beauty to any saltwater aquarium. In this blog post, I will discuss how to remove asterina starfish from your tank safely and effectively. In addition, they come in a variety of colors, sizes, and forms, and pack extraordinary regenerative abilities Apr 24, 2023 · Starfish are one of the most popular in freshwater aquariums. Serpent Starfish (Ophioderma spp. Sep 29, 2020 · Never recommended to get a large or medium sized starfish unless its a brittlestars in a tank so small. I have tried to avoid keeping reef inhabitants that require mysterious diets that are not well understood. Let's start with the first question. May 4, 2022 · Learn how to care for the red Fromia starfish (Fromia milleporella), one of the most popular sea stars available for the marine aquarium. Jul 8, 2011 · No, a Harlequin shrimp will not eat Mini Brittle Starfish. but that doesn't include very many varieties. Believe it or not, they can clean your reef tank immediately and it is an important aspect of their behavior. The brittle stars come out at night and scavenge all over the bottom of the tank and on the live rock looking for bits and pieces of things to eat. But, are starfish reef safe? Mar 21, 2021 · Learn how to care for starfish in your aquarium, including types, tank setup, and feeding tips. These Each species is hand-selected to ensure health and compatibility with other tank inhabitants. Jul 27, 2018 · I removed some rocks from my tank a d stirred up the sand bed real good tonight and found this on my glass. If you are considering adding a starfish to your reef tank, it is important to choose a species that is reef safe. Mar 30, 2016 · Have you ever wondered what that itsy bitsy starfish is doing in your tank? The sneaky starfish probably hitchhiked its way in on some live rock or new coral, but now there are dozens of small grayish starfish roaming your tank. Brittle Starfish are not "tube footed" starfish. Red Linckia Starfish. You may want to treat live rock outside of the tank and not add wet live May 24, 2024 · Sand sifting starfish are a valuable addition to any reef aquarium, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Its vibrant red coloration, often adorned with black or white mottling, makes it a visually appealing addition to any tank. It is a trade-off that many reefers are willing to make, thinking that they can always replenish whatever the starfish eats. By understanding their natural habitat and providing a suitable environment, aquarists can enjoy the dynamic presence of these charming cleanup crews. Apr 24, 2023 · Starfish are one of the most popular in freshwater aquariums. No brittle's (not cute enough) any suggestions? Need to be reef safe May 1, 2022 · Has anyone successfully kept a starfish other than a brittle, sand shifting, or asternia starfish in a 20 gallon nano tank long term? I know some can be supplementally fed and they need an established tank. You’ll need to purchase a quality aquarium, some live rock, and a few other essential items. The Ultimate Reef Scavenger and Master of Stealth Introduce a touch of serpentine grace to your aquarium with the Serpent Starfish. 1) May 15, 2002 · Aquarium Invertebrates: Sea Stars - Linckia spp. Both; the good ones and the bad ones. )he eventually took the tank down due to the starfish problem. Looks like a small starfish??? Aug 5, 2018 · I believe that a basket starfish may indeed be reef suitable however a feather duster is certainly better left entirely alone. And there’s some small breeds of starfish. They are known for being hard to keep but, if handled well, then they can make a great addition to a home aquarium. What are the drawbacks of having sand sifting starfish in a reef tank? Apr 18, 2021 · For a variety of aquarium residents consider the Chocolate Chip Starfish. Nov 20, 2022 · The small starfish reef tank is relatively easy to set up and maintain. I do know, starfish starve easily - since they do need a constant amount of food, which again - has me confident this fellow is absolutely eating and eating often. They are ideal starfish for a reef tank because they will scavenge for food without harming the other invertebrates that share their quarters. Due to this preference often makes its way into home aquariums by hitchhiking the live rocks that reefers buy from shops or other reefers. So far, after a dip in RODI, I have seen a 1cm bristleworm and a mostly cream-coloured banded brittle star the size of the palm of my hand Aug 2, 2006 · Posted August 10, 2006 i know a guy that had so many you couldnt see into the aquarium. Jun 23, 2014 · I know someone who is enquiring about the care of sand-sifting starfish. Jan 13, 2025 · Hello, i have been looking into a brittle starfish & what their actual function is within our reef tanks? Do they crawl between the hard to reach spots between the rocks where flow is low & eat the left over food & detritus? Or are there better invert options for this? Thanks :) Jul 20, 2019 · What’s the best star fish for a aquarium. Do you think there is an advantage to having a Aug 27, 2024 · Starfish Tank Mates Starfish can be housed in a community tank alongside a variety of peaceful fish, including: Dwarf and large angelfish Anthias Basslets Blennies Butterflyfish Cardinals Clownfish Damsels Dartfish Dragonets Filefish Foxface rabbitfish Gobies Hawkfish Pseudochromis Reef-safe wrasses Tangs Do not house starfish in the same aquarium as boxfish, puffer fish, or triggerfish. - Although these stars require extra care in the initial selection, once a blue Linckia is successfully introduced into a large, well established aquarium with plenty of live rock to explore, they are usually quite hardy and are certainly a beautiful addition to a reef aquarium. There are many species of starfish available. May 24, 2024 · Biscuit starfish are a valuable addition to any reef aquarium, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Most people will define it as a pest or parasite, while others see it as a harmless and attractive addition to a reef aquarium. A number of species have been discovered in reef aquariums and they reproduce quickly via fragmentation. You can reduce chances of asterina starfish from entering your reef on rocks by inspecting the new rocks being added to your reef tank. Average sizes of popular aquarium Jan 4, 2021 · To me the ocean and a reef "setting" just seems incomplete without a starfish. Asterina Star Fish - Reef Aquarium Pest & Hitchikers - This small star may be one of several species that hitchhikes into our tanks (Class: Astroidea). It’s frustrating to watch creatures withering away and not knowing how to properly provide for them. Jun 17, 2022 · Here is one of my future starfish a West African Biscuit! I found out they are in a 20 gallon aquarium at the fish store in around a 77 degree tank and are reef safe with caution! And they eat algae. The brittle stars for the most part are rather good tank mates Nov 13, 2011 · I have been seeing alot of the white Asteria small starfish in my tank how do you get rid of them, i have been picking them off the rocks and glass is there any fish that will eat them. Do a couple of google searches against this site and other reef forums and sadly, the discussions rarely end well for the starfish. A fascinating and highly effective member of any clean-up crew, this echinoderm is renowned for its long, flexible arms and its tireless appetite for detritus and leftover food. The only stars that I'm familiar with are not good candidates for nano reef tanks. ar ofkny0 5rdjkr jdpzbx nfte ayp o9tau fhuj t8zg8w5 4jg4