Black Tip Red Reef Starfish

Black Tip Red Reef Starfish: The Dainty Reef Grazer

The Black Tip Red Reef Starfish (Fromia indica), also commonly known as the Indian Sea Star or simply Red Fromia Starfish, is a strikingly beautiful and peaceful addition to the marine aquarium. Its appeal lies in its smooth texture and vibrant, solid red or orange coloration, often highlighted by black tips on its five arms.

This species is one of the more manageable sea stars for the reef tank, reaching a size of 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter. Unlike predatory species, the Fromia genus is considered reef safe as it grazes on micro-organisms rather than hunting fish or corals.

However, despite being peaceful, the Black Tip Red Reef Starfish is highly challenging to keep long-term. Its survival depends entirely on the stability and maturity of its environment and a steady, naturally occurring food supply, making it suitable only for experienced aquarists with mature systems.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Profile: The Black Tip Red Reef Starfish is an Omnivore / Grazer. Its diet consists of micro-organisms, detritus, bacterial films, and microalgae that grow on the surfaces of live rock and sand. It does not actively hunt or consume large food items like fish or snails.
• Aquarium Environment: This star requires a mature, stable aquarium (50 gallons minimum, 75+ is better) with a large volume of live rock to provide the necessary grazing surface. It is exceptionally intolerant of sudden fluctuations in water parameters (salinity, pH, temperature).
• Supplemental Feeding: Supplemental feeding is highly encouraged. While they rarely accept direct hand-feeding, you can try placing sinking invert pellets, spirulina powder, or small pieces of chopped seafood near its travel path. Long-term health relies on the natural productivity of the tank.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Always Reef Safe. It will not harm corals, clams, or anemones. Its greatest threat is starvation in a tank that is too new, small, or "clean."
• Handling Caution: A long, slow drip acclimation (1.5-2 hours) is mandatory due to its sensitivity. Never expose the starfish to open air during transfer, as this can trap fatal air bubbles inside its body.
• Tank Mates: Only house with peaceful, community fish. Harlequin Shrimp ( Hymenocera elegans ) are specialist starfish predators and must be avoided. Other predators like Pufferfish and Triggerfish should also be excluded.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Fromia indica
• Primary Common Name: Black Tip Red Reef Starfish
• Other Common Names: Indian Sea Star, Red Fromia Starfish
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful / Grazer
• Diet: Micro-organisms, biofilm, detritus (difficult to sustain)
• Minimum Tank Size: 50+ Gallons (Must be mature)
• Reef Compatibility: Always Reef Safe