General Starfish

General Starfish: The Striking, but Predatory, Centerpiece

The General Starfish (Protoreaster linckii) is a visually stunning marine invertebrate often sought after for its vibrant colors and imposing size. Also widely recognized as the African Red Knob Starfish or Red Knob Sea Star, this species features a thick, robust body, typically a pale gray or tan color, adorned with numerous bright red or orange tubercles (knobs) that are often connected by a striking, grid-like pattern of red stripes.

This is a major species in the aquarium trade, both in terms of popularity and physical size, easily reaching 10 to 12 inches (25-30 cm) in diameter. While hardy, the General Starfish is a carnivorous predator and is not suitable for a mixed reef aquarium. It is best kept in large Fish-Only (F/O) or FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) systems where its tank mates are safe from predation.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Profile: The General Starfish is a Carnivore / Omnivore. As it grows, it relies heavily on meaty foods to sustain its large body mass.
• Feeding Habit: It must be target fed regularly (once or twice a week is standard) with substantial pieces of food. Use items like chopped clam, squid, mussel, or fresh shrimp, placing the food directly on the substrate near the starfish's underside to ensure consumption.
• Aquarium Environment: Due to its potential size, a minimum tank size of 75-100 gallons is strongly recommended. It demands a highly stable environment and is extremely sensitive to fluctuations in salinity, pH, and water quality. High nitrates are poorly tolerated.
• Reef Compatibility: NOT Reef Safe. This starfish is a known predator of sessile (non-moving) invertebrates. It will consume soft corals, sponges, clams, tubeworms, and even other smaller starfish if it can reach them.
• Handling Caution: Drip acclimation (1.5-2 hours) is essential to avoid osmotic shock. NEVER expose the starfish to open air during transfer, as this can trap air bubbles inside its water vascular system, which is fatal.
• Tank Mates: Only house the General Starfish with large, non-aggressive fish. Exclude all known star-predators like Harlequin Shrimp and some Pufferfish or Triggerfish species.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Protoreaster linckii
• Primary Common Name: General Starfish
• Other Common Names: African Red Knob Starfish, Red Knob Sea Star, Red-knobbed Starfish
• Origin: Indian Ocean (Coast of Africa, Indo-Pacific)
• Max Size: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive (Predatory)
• Diet: Carnivore (Requires target feeding)
• Minimum Tank Size: 75+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: NOT Reef Safe