Bahama Sea Star

Bahama Sea Star (Oreaster reticulatus)

Our imported Bahama Sea Stars (Oreaster reticulatus) are one of the Caribbean's most iconic and recognizable sea stars, admired for their impressive size, thick body, and beautifully textured surface. Native to the tropical western Atlantic, including the Bahamas, Florida, Haiti, and the Caribbean, this species displays a wide variety of natural colorations and markings, ranging from shades of tan and cream to vibrant orange, red, and brown. No two individuals are exactly alike, making each specimen truly unique.

Our Bahama Sea Stars are 3–5 inches across when sold, but with proper care they can grow to an impressive 20 inches across as adults. They require spacious, mature marine aquariums with stable water parameters and abundant natural grazing surfaces. Due to their eventual size and specialized dietary needs, they are best suited as showcase animals in large, well-established systems.

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Size When Sold: Approximately 3–5 inches across
• Maximum Size: Up to 20 inches across
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (larger aquariums recommended as they mature)
• Diet: Biofilm, microbial growth, detritus, and naturally occurring encrusting organisms
• Reef Safe: With Caution

Reef Compatibility

Reef Aquarium: Best suited for large, mature reef aquariums with abundant natural food sources.

Corals: Generally considered safe with healthy corals but may graze on biofilm and encrusting organisms growing around rockwork and coral bases. Due to their large adult size, they may accidentally dislodge unsecured corals while moving through the aquarium.

Fish Tank Mates: Peaceful and compatible with most reef-safe fish, including clownfish, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, wrasses, and tangs. Avoid predatory fish such as triggers, puffers, and large wrasses that may nip at or injure the starfish.

Sensitive Invertebrates: Compatible with most peaceful snails, hermit crabs, shrimp, and other reef invertebrates. Because of their size, care should be taken to ensure delicate invertebrates are not accidentally disturbed as the starfish moves throughout the aquarium.

Experience Level

Intermediate

The Bahama Sea Star is recommended for intermediate to advanced marine aquarists with large, established aquariums. Long-term success depends on maintaining excellent water quality, stable salinity, and providing a mature aquarium with abundant natural grazing opportunities. Like all echinoderms, they are highly sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry and should always be acclimated slowly using a drip acclimation method.

With its impressive size, unique texture, and naturally variable coloration, the Bahama Sea Star makes a stunning centerpiece for large marine aquariums. Every specimen is unique, displaying its own individual pattern and coloration, ensuring no two are exactly alike.