In such a situation, if we desire to build a saltwater aquarium & would like to have some unique and fascinating creatures inside our reef tank, is there another pet that can take center stage better than a starfish?
These fascinating echinoderms take different forms, hues, & sizes, making them amazing to look at in all marine setups.
On the downside, some are capable of destroying the delicate coral colonies by choosing an inappropriate species among them.
This is the sole reason why we have compiled the following list of the top seven reef-safe starfish species for an aquarium setup. Let’s take a plunge into the enchanting world of these amazing invertebrates!
The Best Reef-Safe Starfish
1. Red Knobby Starfish (Protoreaster linckii)
Scientific Name: Protoreaster linckii
- Size: 8–12 inches
- Reef-Safe: Yes
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore
- Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum
The bright red knobby is the first on our list and is bound to capture all the attention in our aquarium. With their hands tipped in knob-like outgrowths, they have striking shapes and colors that include deep red.
In spite of their bold colors, the red knobby are usually peaceful and make good candidates for mature reef tanks.
They also thrive in any fish tank, a fact that makes them ideal for aquarists who are just beginning as well as those who have been there before.
2. Red Brittle Starfish (Ophionereis reticulata)
Scientific Name: Ophionereis reticulata
- Size: Up to 12 inches across
- Reef-Safe: Yes
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Detritivore, scavenger
- Tank Size: 50 gallons or larger
If we’re looking for something with a more refined, delicate feel, then the Red Brittle Star is the perfect fit.
Remarkable in shape and size alone, this slender snake-like warrior can make its arms move gracefully each time.
Though they may seem delicate, the red brittle are surprisingly robust and will be happy in our tank. Also, since they feed on scraps of uneaten food, thereby acting as scavengers, they help keep tanks clean.
3. Blue Linckia Starfish (Linckia laevigata)
Scientific Name: Linckia laevigata
- Size: Up to 12 inches across
- Reef-Safe: Yes
- Care Level: Difficult
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet: Omnivore
- Tank Size: 100 gallons or larger
If we are interested in bold and vivid colors, we’ll absolutely love the Blue Linckia Starfish.
These astonishing echinoderms have a stunning blue color that appears to shine when illuminated by appropriately positioned lights.
The Blue Linckia, an experienced aquarist’s favorite, although some of the species are harder to keep, can make an attractive display due to its intricate designs and fragile tentacles.
4. Chocolate Chip Starfish (Protoreaster nodosus)
Scientific Name: Protoreaster nodosus
- Size: Up to 12 inches across
- Reef-Safe: Yes
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore
- Tank Size: 75 gallons or larger
Although the name could fool us, the chocolate chip starfish is not an ordinary sea creature. All over their bodies, they have lighter spots or chips on them, whereas their main body is rich dark brown to reddish-brown.
In our tank marine environment, these operate in slow motion and in a way that is a bit playful, and they make choices about reef or fish-only aquariums because they not only look good but are also remarkably robust and adjustive.
5. Chocolate Chip Sea Star (Nardoa novaecaledoniae)
Scientific Name: Nardoa novaecaledoniae
- Size: Up to 8 inches across
- Reef-Safe: Yes
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Detritivore, algae grazer
- Tank Size: 55 gallons or larger
For those who love the Chocolate Chip Sea Star but want something special, the Chocolate Chip Sea Star is best suited.
These exotic echinoderms have color patterns that are similar to those of their Protoreaster relatives but with a unique attraction.
They have shorter arms and are more muscular, which differentiates them from other Sea Star species in terms of general aspects.
This makes the Chocolate Chip Sea Star distinctive; even though it looks vivid, the species is peaceful and can add value to any properly established saltwater aquarium.
6. Red Serpent Starfish (Ophioderma sp.)
Scientific Name: Ophioderma sp.
- Size: Up to 12 inches across
- Reef-Safe: Yes
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Detritivore, scavenger
- Tank Size: 55 gallons or larger
If we like something a bit different, we’ll definitely enjoy including a red serpent Sea Star in your aquarium. With its long, slim arms swaying like a snake, it gives an interesting look to our aquascape.
Despite their fragile look, Red Serpent Starfish are shockingly robust and exceptional scavengers that help maintain cleanliness in our tank, thus ensuring its health.
7. Harlequin Starfish (Arcularia arculatus)
Scientific Name: Arcularia arculatus
- Size: Up to 6 inches across
- Reef-Safe: Yes
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet: Omnivore
- Tank Size: 40 gallons or larger
The harlequin starfish has a fun and unusual look with vibrant colors and patterns. This species is notable for its bright red, white, and black exterior—an imitation of the famous dress worn by jesters known as Harlequins.
With their unique and nearly comical appearance, they have plump bodies and short, stumpy arms. Every time we watch them in our tank, we are sure to smile.
Choosing the right starfish for Tank
After we learn about the seven most commonly available types of marine starfish that should be kept in aquariums where we go, there are certain things we must look into.
Understandably, the first thing is to check our tank to make sure it is set up well and the water parameters are right.
For example, starfish are usually delicate organisms; hence, any slight change in water quality can kill them within no time.
In addition, consider the precise care requirements of each kind since they are very different.
Some starfish appreciate gentle light; others develop well under strong brightness. It might be some that are aggressive with certain opponents in the aquarium, while others just join them peacefully.
When selecting a starfish, take adult size into account and ensure that our starfish has enough room to move and explore.
This includes considering the size of our aquarium; some species can grow very large, so they need a lot of space in order to survive, although they will still be small at some point.
Summary
In the world of starfish that are safe for reefs, there are many interesting and variable kinds of them that can interest people who have fish tanks.
It is impossible not to fall in love with starfish that come in bold and bright colors, sophisticated patterns, and quite unusual shapes.
able as well as afraid. Take the challenge and add one of these amazing echinodermata to your underwater system. our aquarium will never be the same.
FAQ
Is the Indian Sea Star Reef safe?
The Indian Sea Star, is a starfish that is not known to harm coral reefs. This type of starfish does not harm corals or other invertebrates; however, it may feed on slow-moving, tiny animals such as tubeworms or snails. It is recommended that you provide enough hiding places and adequate space in a mature aquarium where this attractive starfish with red and white striped patterns will feel comfortable and secure.
How to put starfish in a tank?
To introduce a starfish into our tank, the first thing we should do is acclimate it by floating the bag in water for a period ranging between 15 and 30 minutes. Subsequently, drop the starfish gently into the water Make sure the tank has been fully set up and maintained at a stable condition in terms of water quality for our starfish Keeping in good tankmates that are friendly to it and also hiding areas for the protection of these animals in case of anything but constant observation would enable one to understand that there may be any change in one’s behavior.
