Florida Starfish

Florida Starfish(Echinaster spinulosus)

Hand-collected by our team, the Florida Starfish (Echinaster spinulosus) is a beautiful and unique Caribbean sea star known for its vibrant coloration, textured surface, and graceful movements across the aquarium. Native to Florida, the Caribbean, and the western Atlantic, this species is commonly found exploring rocky areas, seagrass beds, and sandy habitats while grazing on naturally occurring biofilm and microbial growth.

With its light orange to pinkish coloration and delicate spiny texture, the Florida Starfish adds a stunning natural accent to mature marine aquariums. This peaceful echinoderm thrives in established systems with stable water conditions, plenty of live rock, and abundant natural surfaces for grazing.

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Maximum Size: Approximately 6 inches across
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Biofilm, microbial growth, detritus, and naturally occurring encrusting organisms
• Reef Safe: With Caution

Reef Compatibility

Reef Aquarium: Suitable for mature reef aquariums with established live rock and a healthy supply of natural grazing opportunities.

Corals: Generally considered safe with soft, LPS, and SPS corals. Florida Starfish do not typically consume healthy coral tissue but may graze on biofilm and microorganisms growing on surrounding rock surfaces. Monitoring is recommended in delicate reef setups.

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

Sensitive Invertebrates: Compatible with most peaceful reef invertebrates, including snails, hermit crabs, cleaner shrimp, and other non-aggressive species. Avoid housing with animals known to prey on echinoderms, and provide adequate space to prevent accidental disturbance of delicate invertebrates.

Experience Level

Intermediate

The Florida Starfish is best suited for intermediate aquarists with established marine aquariums. While hardy when properly cared for, it requires excellent water quality, stable salinity, and a mature system capable of supporting its natural grazing habits. Like all sea stars, it is sensitive to rapid changes in water chemistry and should always be acclimated slowly using a drip acclimation method.

With its vibrant coloration, unique texture, and peaceful behavior, the Florida Starfish is a beautiful showcase specimen for hobbyists looking to add a distinctive Florida and Caribbean echinoderm to their marine aquarium.