Elegant Starfish

The Elegant Starfish (Fromia elegans), also known as the Marble Starfish, is a visually striking sea star appreciated for its vibrant coloration and unique patterns. While it can be a captivating addition to marine aquariums, proper care is essential to ensure its health and longevity.

Essential Information:

• Common Names: Elegant Starfish, Marble Starfish
• Scientific Name: Fromia elegans
• Family: Goniasteridae
• Origin/Habitat: Inhabits lagoons and outer reefs in the Indo-West Pacific region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia.
• Maximum Size: Up to 5 inches (12 cm) in diameter
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live several years in captivity.
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate; suitable for aquarists with some experience in marine invertebrate care.
• Reef Safe: Yes; they are generally considered reef-safe.

Appearance & Physical Traits:

• Coloration & Pattern: Displays a range of colors, including red, orange, and purple, often with contrasting lighter or darker spots, giving a marbled appearance.
• Body Shape & Structure: Exhibits a classic starfish form with five arms radiating from a central disc.

Habitat & Environmental Needs:

• Minimum Tank Size: A well-established marine aquarium of at least 30 gallons (114 liters) is recommended to provide adequate space and stable water conditions.
• Water Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 72–78°F (22–25.5°C).
• pH Level: Maintains best health in water with a pH of 8.1–8.4.
• Specific Gravity: Ideal specific gravity ranges from 1.023 to 1.025.
• Aquascape: Requires a mature aquarium with ample live rock to provide grazing surfaces and hiding spots. A soft, sandy substrate is preferred to prevent injury to their delicate tube feet.

Diet & Feeding:

• Diet Type: Omnivorous scavenger
• Preferred Foods: Feeds on biofilm, detritus, and microorganisms found on live rock and substrate. In captivity, their diet can be supplemented with small pieces of shrimp, squid, and other meaty foods.
• Feeding Frequency: Offer supplemental feedings 2–3 times per week, ensuring food reaches the sea star, as they are slow-moving and may not compete well with faster tank mates.

Behavior & Compatibility:

• Temperament: Generally peaceful and non-aggressive
• Social Behavior: Solitary; does not require companions and may exhibit territorial behavior towards other sea stars.
• Tank Mate Compatibility: Compatible with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates. Avoid housing with species known to prey on sea stars.
• Activity Level: Primarily nocturnal; most active during nighttime hours.

Care Considerations & Additional Notes:

• Ease of Care: Requires stable water parameters and a mature aquarium environment. Sensitive to sudden changes in salinity, temperature, and pH.
• Special Requirements: Due to their specialized diet, they should be introduced into well-established aquaria that have been running for at least one year. A slow and careful acclimation process is essential to prevent shock.
• Breeding Info: Reproduction in captivity is rare and not well-documented. In the wild, they are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column.
• Additional Notes: Regular monitoring of water quality is essential, as Elegant Starfish are intolerant of poor conditions. Quarantine new additions to the tank to prevent the introduction of pathogens.