www.reef2reef.com
I got a tuxedo urchin instead of a starfish yesterday, after doing my homework on starfish. They'll remain eye candy in the lfs.As far as I know, these bright red stars are all in the genus Fromia. While beautiful and widely available for sale, these animals tend to be very difficult to keep in an aquarium long term. They are specialized sand-sifting feeders that require a very large and very mature sand bed or they typically just fade away and die in most people's tanks.
Here's a link that might have some more info:
Fromia Starfish
I have always found starfish to be pretty cool looking. However, it appears that the general consensus with most species is that they are more troublesome than they are worth. I understand that the brittle starfishes are generally the best species to keep, but they honestly do not appeal to...
There is a red sea serpent. If the red is what you like, and you want a star, be on the lookout for the red serpents in LFS during summer time. Def stay away from the fromia... I'm learning the hard way despite all available information claiming they are "hardy" and "beginner friendly." I have found much to back up that the tile starfish (Fromia Monillis - not nodusa) are the easier of the Fromia family but with such little data to back up their proper care, I'd go with a red sea serpent if you really want one. They also add to your CUC! There is also an Icon Sea Star (or double star) that are quite beautiful but they are harder than fromia despite all the wildly available misinformation. Good luck & Happy Reefing!!
I'll be on the lookout for a red serpent star. I've never had star fish. They catch my eye at the LFS and I do research and decide they're not for me.
My "first" star was a Chocolate Chip. My better half knew how badly I wanted a star so I came home to that surprise... in our reef tank! I had all kinds of mixed feelings. In awe at the sweet notion. Shocked that my insanely bright and always prepared partner made that mistake. Terrified. Heartbroken that I'd have to tell him that his sweet notion was a bad move and that we had to get it out of the tank. My Fromia Milleporella & my Fromia Pacifica were (are) my real first stars. I knew they were parameter sensitive - but I didn't make the connection at the busy reefapalooza event that the seller making me take this star with 4 hours of the event left and a 3 hour drive home were an obvious set up for failure. So, needless to say the Milleporella isn't doing well. The Pacifica may be okay, he's not showing the signs the Milleporella is. If the Pacifica ends up successful, I'll update ya. Most don't know of them - only the red fromia types. The pacificas get 4" max and are orange with yellow tips. Cute little fellas. Good on you for doing the proper research and making the right call. These guys definitely need to stay in the ocean at least until we know enough about them to keep them not just alive but thriving. Stars are certainly beautiful and interesting creatures. They are my favorite alongside urchins.
Hope you find a red serpent!
