The Red Tile Starfish ( *Asterina miniata* ), also known as the Marble Sea Star, is a captivating addition to any established saltwater aquarium. Its vibrant red body speckled with white creates a striking visual impact, resembling a miniature mosaic. These relatively small starfish, reaching a maximum of five inches in diameter, are peaceful and compatible with a variety of reef tank inhabitants, making them ideal for community tanks. Their relatively low price point (around $30) adds to their appeal for hobbyists seeking to enhance their aquatic ecosystem.This comprehensive care guide provides essential information for successfully keeping Red Tile Starfish. We'll cover crucial aspects like maintaining optimal water parameters (salinity, pH, temperature, and dKH), designing an appropriate tank setup, and establishing a proper diet. Learn how to properly acclimate your new starfish and identify signs of distress. With the right care, your Red Tile Starfish will thrive and add a touch of elegance and natural beauty to your marine environment for years to come.
Pros And Cons
- Peaceful and reef safe
- Great colors (bright red body with white spots)
- Good at eating hair algae and detritus
- Relatively small maximum size (about 5 inches)
- Can be kept with other sea stars (e.g., blue linckia)
- Can be hurt by sudden changes in water levels or temperature
- Sensitive to copper dosing
- Requires careful acclimation (4x the time needed for fish)
Red Tile Starfish: Appearance and Cost
The Red Tile Starfish, also known as the Marble Sea Star, is a captivating creature with a vibrant red body adorned with distinctive white spots. Its striking appearance resembles a mosaic tile floor, making it a popular addition to saltwater aquariums. Acquiring one of these beautiful starfish typically costs around $30.
These starfish don't grow excessively large, reaching a maximum size of about five inches across. This makes them suitable for various tank sizes, though a larger tank is always beneficial for all marine life.
Their peaceful nature and compatibility with reef tanks are additional selling points. The Red Tile Starfish peacefully coexists with other reef inhabitants, posing no threat to corals or other invertebrates.
Tank Setup and Water Parameters
Maintaining optimal water parameters is crucial for the Red Tile Starfish's well-being. Salinity should be kept between 1.023 and 1.025, with a dKH of 8-12, pH of 8.1-8.4, and a temperature of 72-78°F (ideally around 78°F).
Consistent water parameters are essential; avoid any sudden fluctuations that could stress or harm the starfish. Regular water changes and monitoring equipment are critical for maintaining a stable environment.
A suitable tank setup includes a sandy bottom and plenty of live rock for the starfish to explore and graze on. These starfish are quite active, constantly moving around the tank in search of food.
Diet and Feeding
Red Tile Starfish are omnivores, feeding on both algae and small meaty foods. They naturally forage for algae on rocks and sand, consuming any leftover fish food. Supplementing their diet with small pieces of frozen shrimp once a week provides additional nutrition.
To spot feed, offer small pieces of shrimp placed near one of its arms. The starfish uses its tube feet to manipulate the food toward its mouth. This method ensures that the starfish receives adequate nutrition.
A well-established tank with ample algae growth will generally provide enough food for the starfish. However, spot feeding supplements their diet, ensuring they remain healthy and vibrant.
Compatibility and Acclimation
Multiple Red Tile Starfish can be kept together, provided there's sufficient food for all. Ensure ample algae growth and consider supplementing with additional meaty foods like small shrimp pieces.
They are compatible with other peaceful sea stars, creating a diverse and interesting reef tank environment. For instance, a Blue Linckia starfish coexists well with the Red Tile Starfish.
Acclimation is a critical step. Slowly acclimate the starfish over at least four hours using a drip acclimation method. This gradual process allows the starfish to adjust to changes in water parameters and temperature.
Health and Potential Problems
Sudden changes in water parameters, particularly temperature spikes, can severely impact Red Tile Starfish. Consistent monitoring and maintenance are essential to avoid such fluctuations.
Avoid using copper-based medications in the tank, as they are highly toxic to starfish. If treatment is necessary, temporarily remove the starfish.
A distressed starfish will often exhibit discoloration and stringy material. If this occurs, carefully check water parameters, provide supplemental food, and monitor for any improvement. Early detection and appropriate adjustments are crucial for a successful outcome.
Conclusion
The Red Tile Starfish is a stunning and relatively easy-to-care-for addition to any established reef tank. Its peaceful nature, vibrant colors, and algae-eating habits make it a valuable asset to reef keepers.
However, proper acclimation and stable water parameters are critical for their survival. With careful attention to its needs, this captivating starfish will thrive and add a touch of elegance to your aquarium.
If you're considering adding a Red Tile Starfish to your reef tank, ensure your tank is at least a year old to provide a stable environment and plentiful food sources. Regular monitoring and maintenance will enhance their chances of long-term survival and bring years of enjoyment.