Red-Knob Sea Star
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
This star is difficult to keep alive in the home aquarium. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
This species often does poorly in the aquarium. Its stiff, spinous body prevents it from getting into the rockwork in search of food.
It has five relatively stiff rays with a smooth, almost featureless epidermis from which rises a series of large, evident spines. The spines of the orange to pale green Red-spined Stars are brilliant red, sharp, and have a network of low red ridges connecting them.
Family: Oreasteridae
Other common name(s):
- Red-spined Star
Native range:
Habitat: Most often found in sandy, shallow areas and seagrass beds, it should have a relatively flat, open aquascape.
Maximum length: 30 cm (12 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 380 L (100 gal)
Lighting: Immaterial.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Reported to feed on sponges in nature. In the aquarium, some don’t eat at all or eat inappropriate foods that do not provide complete nutrition. Most die of malnutrition. May accept sponge-containing frozen marine rations.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Not suitable for reef tanks. May eat sessile invertebrates, including soft corals, stony corals, and sea anemones. Few other aquarium animals will bother them.
[edit] Notes
A smaller species, P. nodosus (the Chocolate Chip Star), is tan or light brown with large, blunt, dark brown spines.
| Common name | Red-Knob Sea Star +, and Red-spined Star + |
| Family | Oreasteridae + |
| Genus | Protoreaster + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Lighting | Immaterial. + |
| Maximum length | 12 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 100 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-Pacific + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | lincki + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |