Starlet Sea Star
Asterina gibbosa
Also known as: Asterina Star
A tiny, hardy sea star that's more interesting than it first appears.
About
The starlet sea star (Asterina gibbosa) is a small, unassuming invertebrate native to the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, where it tucks itself under rocks and into crevices in shallow intertidal and subtidal zones. It tends to be pentagonal rather than the classic five-pointed star shape, with stubby, irregular arms that give it a chunky, almost lumpy outline. Coloration varies quite a bit. Individuals can range from greenish to brown or grey, sometimes with mottled patterning. In the wild, Asterina gibbosa is known for being a hardy generalist, grazing on algae, detritus, and microbial films across rocky surfaces. In the reef aquarium, it has a reasonable reputation as a scavenger and algae grazer, and its tolerance for a range of conditions makes it one of the more forgiving sea stars for newer marine keepers. That said, this species is worth watching in a reef context. Related Asterina species have been documented nipping at coral tissue, and while gibbosa is generally considered less problematic, individual behavior can vary. It reproduces readily in captivity, which means a small group can establish itself into a visible population over time. A manageable, low-drama addition to a mature reef or fish-only tank.
Similar species
Other invertebrate you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Starlet Sea Star
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Starlet Sea Star aggressive?
- The Starlet Sea Star is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Starlet Sea Star eat?
- The Starlet Sea Star is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- Is the Starlet Sea Star reef safe?
- The Starlet Sea Star is generally considered reef safe.