3-Tile Sea Star, Orange/Red
Fromia monilis
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Black, Red
Diet: Omnivore
Supplements: Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Ophidiasteridae
The Tile Sea Star, or Marble Starfish, is one of the more common of the Fromia species, its coloration making it one of the more striking of all the sea stars. Its central disc will have an orange to deep red color, while its arms have cream-colored spots with a red edging.
It is found over sandy substrates, on rocks, and sometimes climbing on anemones. It is constantly foraging for micro-organisms and detritus to eat, so the aquarium should have ample amounts of live rock. It generally lives alone, but if the aquarium is large enough to support more than one, it will tolerate others of its own species.
The Tile Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerability to changes in water chemistry. It should never be exposed to air while handling.
It is recommended to supplement its diet with small pieces of shrimp, mussel, or flaked food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small; 1-1/2" to 2" Medium; 2" to 3-1/2"
4-Indian Sea Star
Fromia indica
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Black, Red
Diet: Omnivore
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu
Family: Ophidiasteridae
The Indian Sea Star, or Marble Starfish, is one of the more common of the Fromia species. Their patterns and colors make them one of the more striking of all the sea stars. The coloration of the Indian Sea Stars range from a deep red to orange, and both the central disc and the arms are mottled in a lighter coloration to cream, giving them a marbled look.
It is found over sandy substrates, on rocks, and sometimes climbing among corals and other invertebrates. It is constantly foraging for micro-organisms and detritus to eat, so the aquarium should have ample amounts of live rock. It generally lives alone, but if the aquarium is large enough to support more than one, it will tolerate others of its own species.
The Indian Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerability to changes in water chemistry. It should never be exposed to air while handling.
It is recommended to supplement its diet with small pieces of shrimp, mussel, or flaked food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small; 1-1/2" to 2" Medium 2" to 3 1/2"
5-Brittle Sea Star, Fancy Yellow
Ophiarachna sp.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 10"
Color Form: Green, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Supplements: Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Tonga
Family: Ophiotrichidae
The Yellow Fancy Brittle Sea Star of the Ophiarachnagenus has a very small olive green central disc which may have variable patterns. The long spiny, yellow arms are fringed with white or black spines.
It is nocturnal and often hides under rocks during the day. At night, it comes out to eat detritus and small organisms. It cannot tolerate copper-based medications.
The Yellow Fancy Brittle Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerability to changes in water chemistry. It should never be exposed to air while handling.
In the aquarium it may be fed zooplankton, very finely chopped meaty items, and liquid invertebrate foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3" to 6"
6-Brittle Sea Star, Red
Ophiocoma sp.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 10"
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Omnivore
Supplements: Trace Elements
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Ophiodermatidae
The Red Brittle Sea Star is common throughout the Caribbean and has a very small red central disc, which may have variable patterns. The long spiny red arms are fringed with white spines, and have a white pattern.
It is nocturnal and often hides under rocks during the day. At night, it comes out to eat detritus, left-over food and small organisms. It cannot tolerate copper-based medications.
The Red Brittle Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerability to changes in water chemistry. It should never be exposed to air while handling.
In the aquarium, provide a varied diet of frozen mysis and brine shrimp, and very finely chopped shrimp and mussels.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3" to 6"
7-Brittle Sea Star, Fancy
Ophiure protoreaster
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 10"
Color Form: Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Supplements: Trace Elements
Origin: Indonesia, Tonga
Family: Ophiuridae
The Fancy Brittle Star originates from the reefs of Tonga and the Indo Pacific, and is a great scavenger for the marine aquarium. The central disc is brown to green in color and may exhibit dark patterns. The legs are long and are banded with light and dark brown coloration. The legs also have many spines that aid the starfish in finding food.
The Fancy Brittle Star enjoys an established saltwater aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding. It is nocturnal and often hides under the rocks during the day. At night, it comes out to eat detritus and small organisms. It cannot tolerate copper-based medications.
In the aquarium it may be fed zooplankton, very finely chopped meaty items, and liquid invertebrate foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3" to 6"
8-Brittle Sea Star, Banded
Ophiocoma scolopendrina
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Supplements: Trace Elements
Origin: Micronesia
Family: Ophiocomidae
The Banded Brittle Star originates from the rubble zones of Micronesia, and is a great scavenger for the marine aquarium. The central disc is dark brown in color with tan markings. The legs are long and are banded with light and dark brown coloration. The legs also have many spines that aid the starfish in finding food.
The Banded Brittle Star enjoys an established saltwater aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding. It is nocturnal and often hides under the rocks during the day. At night, it comes out to eat detritus and small organisms. It cannot tolerate copper-based medications.
In the aquarium it may be fed zooplankton, frozen brine and mysis shrimp, and chopped meaty foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: 4" to 6"
9-Serpent Sea Star, Fancy Tiger Striped
Ophiolepsis superba
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 2"
Color Form: Red, Tan
Diet: Carnivore
Supplements: Trace Elements
Origin: Caribbean, Eastern Asia, Fiji
Family: Ophiuridae
The Serpent Sea Star, Fancy Tiger Striped has a sleek physical build and stark coloration. In fact, unlike many starfish common to home aquariums, Ophiolepsis superbahas long, almost spindly arms that radiate from its central disc. But what this sea star lacks in arm girth, it more than makes up for in color form and appetite. In fact, the bands of brown and red that dress the Serpent Sea Star, Fancy Tiger Striped arms give this member of the Ophiuridae family a unique beauty. Plus, this voracious carnivore can make quick work of any uneaten meaty food it finds fallen throughout your aquarium.
Native to reefs around the world, the Serpent Sea Star, Fancy Tiger Stiped is also known as the Banded Serpent or Banded Brittle Starfish. In the home aquarium, it requires ample hiding places and plenty of room to roam. The Serpent Sea Star, Fancy Tiger Striped is best kept in larger systems, since it can grow to an impressive 1 foot in diameter from arm tip to arm tip.
Even though the Fancy Tiger-Striped Serpent Sea Star is a nocturnal animal, it may eventually learn to come out during the day to eat. It will become sluggish if the nitrate levels are too high. The Fancy Tiger-Striped Serpent Sea Star should be fed small pieces of chopped meat, shrimp, mussel, or fish.
Like other invertebrates, the Fancy Tiger-Striped Serpent Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerance to changes in water chemistry. The Fancy Tiger-Striped Serpent Sea Star should never be exposed to air while handling.
The Fancy Tiger-Striped Serpent Sea Star is extremely difficult to breed in an aquarium with no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate it from its mate.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3" to 6"
10-Serpent Sea Star, Caribbean
Ophioderma sp .
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 2"
Color Form: Green, Orange, Red
Diet: Carnivore
Supplements: Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Ophiodermatidae
The Serpent Sea Star of the genus Ophioderma has a central, 5-sided disc with five banded, scaly arms. Depending upon the species and locale, the color can range from maroon, to orange, to green. The central disc can also have variable markings.
It does well in an aquarium if provided with ample hiding places and plenty of room to roam. Even though it is a nocturnal animal, it will eventually learn to come out during the day to eat.
The Serpent Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerability to changes in water chemistry. It should never be exposed to air while handling.
It is extremely difficult to breed in an aquarium with no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate it from its mate.
In the aquarium, it can be fed small pieces of chopped meat, shrimp, mussel, or fish.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3" to 6"
11-Serpent Sea Star, Fancy Red
Ophiomyxa australis
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 2"
Color Form: Red
Diet: Carnivore
Supplements: Trace Elements
Origin: Fiji, Tonga
Family: Ophiodermatidae
The Serpent Sea Star of the genus Ophiomyxa has a central, 5-sided disc with five banded, scaly arms. Depending upon the species and locale, the color can range from maroon, to orange, to green. The central disc can also have variable markings.
It does well in an aquarium if provided with ample hiding places and plenty of room to roam. Even though it is a nocturnal animal, it will eventually learn to come out during the day to eat.
The Serpent Sea Star, Fancy Red is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerability to changes in water chemistry. It should never be exposed to air while handling.
It is extremely difficult to breed in an aquarium with no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate it from its mate.
In the aquarium, it can be fed small pieces of chopped meat, shrimp, mussel, or fish.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3" to 6"
12-Serpent Sea Star, Fancy Banded
Ophiocoma sp.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 8"
Color Form: Tan, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Supplements: Trace Elements
Origin: Caribbean, Indonesia
Family: Ophiuridae
The Fancy Banded Serpent Star originates from the reefs of the Caribbean, and are great scavengers for the marine aquarium. The central disc is tan to yellow in color and may exhibit dark patterns. The legs are long and are banded with dark brown stripes.
The Fancy Banded Serpent Star enjoys an established saltwater aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding. It is nocturnal and often hides under the rocks during the day. At night, it comes out to eat detritus and small organisms. It cannot tolerate copper-based medications.
In the aquarium it may be fed zooplankton, very finely chopped meaty items, and liquid invertebrate foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3" to 6"
