Common Starfish

Common Starfish (Echinaster sentus)

Hand-collected by our team, the Common Starfish (Echinaster sentus) is a beautiful Caribbean sea star prized for its vibrant coloration, textured appearance, and slow, graceful movements. Native to the tropical western Atlantic and Florida waters, this fascinating echinoderm spends its time exploring live rock and aquarium surfaces while grazing on naturally occurring biofilm and microbial growth. Its distinctive rough texture and bold colors make it an eye-catching addition to established marine aquariums.

Common Starfish require mature aquariums with stable water parameters and abundant live rock to provide a steady supply of natural food sources. While hardy once established, they are more sensitive to changes in water quality than many other clean-up crew members and should always be acclimated slowly.

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Maximum Size: Approximately 8 inches across
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Biofilm, microbial growth, encrusting organisms
• Reef Safe: With Caution

Reef Compatibility

Reef Aquarium: Suitable for mature reef aquariums with adequate natural food sources.

Corals: Generally considered safe with most corals, though they may occasionally graze on encrusting organisms growing around coral bases. They do not typically consume healthy coral tissue but are best observed in mixed reef systems.

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

Sensitive Invertebrates: Compatible with most snails, hermit crabs, shrimp, and other peaceful reef invertebrates. Avoid aggressive crabs or large predatory invertebrates that may attack the starfish. Because of their specialized diet, they should not be relied upon as part of a cleanup crew.

Experience Level

Intermediate

The Common Starfish is best suited for aquarists with established marine aquariums. Success depends on excellent water quality, stable salinity, and a mature aquarium capable of providing sufficient natural grazing opportunities. Like all sea stars, they are highly sensitive to rapid changes in salinity and other water parameters, making slow drip acclimation essential.

With its striking appearance and fascinating behavior, the Common Starfish is a rewarding addition for hobbyists looking to add a unique Caribbean echinoderm to a well-established reef aquarium.