Starfish – Red

Red Starfish Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size: 5 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 30cm (1′)

Diet: Omnivore (Should be supplemented with meaty and algae rocks)

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive (Can eat invertebrates and soft coral if not fed properly)

Lifespan: Up to 10 years

Scientific Name: Protoreaster Linckii

Other Common Names: Red Knob Starfish, Red Knobbed Starfish

Coral Safe: No

Invertebrate Safe: Yes (Will eat sessile invertebrates [anemones, clams, sponges, etc.] )

The red starfish is a rare predatory species of starfish that is rarely seen in the hobby. Their scientific name is Protoreaster Linckii but they are often called the red knobbed starfish. This starfish comes from the Oreasteridae family. The red starfish will have a maximum size of 1’ but that size is rarely seen in the hobby, 5-6” from one tip to another is a more common size for captivity. They have a lifespan of up to 10 years. For optimal health red knobbed starfish should be direct fed every second day, by placing a piece of food underneath them. Red knobbed starfish are omnivores that will eat algae but should also be given meaty foods often. These starfish have a minimum tank size of 20 gallons. They have a semi-aggressive temperament because of the fact that they will also eat coral and sessile invertebrates, especially if they are not properly fed. Red knobbed starfish are not reef safe. Most often they will be found on the glass or on the rocks, and they are most active at night. Starfish are regenerative and will grow back an arm if it is lost.