Red Star Fish

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Fromia monilis
• Common Name: Red Starfish (also known as Necklace Starfish or Tiled Starfish)
• Adult Size: Up to 5 inches (12–13 cm) across arm span
• Life Expectancy: 5–10 years with proper care in a stable environment
• Habitat:
  • Found throughout the Indo-Pacific region
  • Inhabits coral reefs, lagoon floors, and sandy or rubble areas

  • Lives in shallow waters to moderate depths

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons (preferably in a mature reef tank with live rock and stable parameters)
• Ideal Temperature: 72–78°F (22–25.5°C)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Water Hardness (dKH): 8–12 dKH
• Temperament:
  • Peaceful
  • Reef-safe
  • Should not be housed with aggressive or predatory tank mates

  • Sensitive to rapid changes in water chemistry and salinity

Diet & Nutrition

• Scavenger and grazer
• Feeds on:
  • Biofilm
  • Detritus
  • Algae
  • Microorganisms on live rock
• Requires a well-established tank with sufficient natural food
• May be offered supplemental food like:
  • Finely chopped shrimp
  • Commercial invertebrate food

  • Algae wafers (rarely accepted)

Breeding & Spawning

• Reproduction in captivity is very rare
• Sexual reproduction with external fertilization (eggs and sperm released into water)
• Some capability for regeneration if an arm is lost (only if part of central disc is intact)

• No reliable method for home breeding

Appearance

• Bright red to orange body with creamy white, tiled-like patterns
• Typically has five arms with a mosaic or necklace-like pattern
• The arms and disc are slightly elevated and rigid in appearance

• Underside features numerous tube feet for slow, graceful movement

Distinctive Features

• Eye-catching necklace pattern — white segments ringed with red or orange
• Distinct from other red starfish due to its tiled skin texture
• Highly sensitive to copper and medications
• Requires long drip acclimation before introduction to tank

• Thrives in peaceful, reef-safe setups with stable, pristine conditions