Starfish (echinoderms) also known as sea stars are very popular in marine aquaria, they are often brightly coloured and can come in many sizes and forms. Not only are they very attractive they often play an important role in the aquarium ecosystem eating decaying matter, left over fish food and turning over the substrate.

In reality starfish are predators so care must be taken when choosing the right specimen, at Water Decor we stock only the specimens that will be suitable in the home aquarium, although other species if required are always available to order.

It is important to choose a hardy specimen that will not perish due to starvation or over sensitivity, as when choosing fish and corals you will notice that some thrive better than others, this is also true for starfish.
Care must be taken to ensure a good diet for your chosen specimen , most will accept meaty foods such as fish, muscle and clam meat.

When feeding starfish at Water Decor we always sit them on, or in the case of the brittle star hand them the food and watch to see that they accept it, it is important to do this as unfortunately many stars will die in captivity after a few months due to malnutrition.

All of the starfish listed below are regularly available here at Water Decor, others are available to order.

Blue Linckia Starfish (Linckia laevigata) Care Level: Difficult. Lighting: T8, T5 or Metal Halide. Feeding: Feed with meaty foods. Temp: 26°C SG 1.023-1.025. Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 1’ . Temperament: Peaceful. Colour: Blue. Reef Compatible: Yes. Origin: Fiji.	Fancy Brittle Starfish (Ophiure protoreaster) Care Level: Easy Lighting: T8, T5 or Metal Halide Feeding: Feed with meaty foods. Temp: 26°C SG 1.023-1.025 Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 10" Temperament: Semi-aggressive Colour: Brown, Dark Orange Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Indo-Pacific, Tonga.
Green Brittle Starfish (Ophiarachna incrassata) Care Level: Semi-aggressive Lighting: T8, T5 or Metal Halide Feeding: Feeds algae & diatoms. Temp: 26°C SG 1.023-1.025 Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 10" Temperament: Peaceful Colour: Green. Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Indian Ocean.	Orange Starfish (Echinaster sp.) Care Level: Moderate. Lighting: T8, T5 or Metal Halide. Feeding: Feed meaty foods. Temp: 26°C SG 1.023-1.025. Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 4". Temperament: Peaceful. Colour: Red, Black. Reef Compatible: Yes. Origin: Indo-Pacific.
Sand Sifting Starfish (Astropecten polycanthus) Care Level: Easy Lighting: T8, T5 or Metal Halide Feeding: Feeds algae & diatoms. Temp: 26°C SG 1.023-1.025 Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 1’ Temperament: Peaceful Colour: Cream, White, Brown. Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Fiji, Solomon Islands.	Serpent Starfish (Ophioderma sp.) Care Level: Easy Lighting: T8, T5 or Metal Halide Feeding: Feeds algae & diatoms. Temp: 26°C SG 1.023-1.025 Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 1’2” Temperament: Peaceful Colour: Black, White, Green, Orange, Red. Reef Compatible: Yes Origin: Fiji, Tonga