Red Knob Starfish - Protoreaster linckii
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Red Knob Starfish (Protoreaster linckii)
The Red Knob Starfish (Protoreaster linckii), also known as the African Sea Star or Red Spine Starfish, is a striking marine invertebrate known for its vibrant red knobs and contrasting cream-colored body. This starfish adds a bold and dramatic touch to any marine aquarium and is often chosen for its unique appearance and hardy nature.
Description:
• Common Name: Red Knob Starfish, African Sea Star, Red Spine Starfish
• Scientific Name: Protoreaster linckii
• Family: Oreasteridae
• Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter
• Color: Cream to tan body with bright red, knobby spines along its arms, making it easily recognizable.
Native Region:
The Red Knob Starfish is native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly in shallow reef flats and seagrass beds in areas like the East African coast, including Madagascar and the Red Sea. It inhabits sandy or rocky substrates, often found in tidal pools or shallow waters.
Aquarium Setup:
• Tank Size: Minimum of 100 gallons (380 liters) due to its large size and active roaming behavior.
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
• Substrate: Sandy or fine gravel substrate is preferred to mimic its natural habitat. It also requires live rock structures for grazing.
• Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on detritus, algae, and small invertebrates. In captivity, it can be fed meaty foods such as shrimp, clam, and mussels. Care must be taken to ensure it has enough food, as it can deplete available nutrients quickly in a smaller tank.
Care Level:
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful, but may prey on small invertebrates, corals, or sponges in reef tanks. It is best suited for fish-only or non-reef setups.
• Lifespan: Can live several years in captivity with proper care.
Behavior:
The Red Knob Starfish is active and constantly on the move, foraging for food on the tank’s substrate and rock surfaces. While peaceful toward other tank inhabitants, it may pose a risk to corals and sponges, as it can feed on them in some cases. It’s crucial to monitor its diet and ensure it has sufficient food in the tank.
Additional Tips:
• Tank Mates: Suitable for peaceful fish tanks but should be avoided in reef tanks with corals, sponges, and other invertebrates, as it may consume them. It can coexist with larger, peaceful fish and other non-aggressive starfish.
• Water Quality: Like many marine invertebrates, the Red Knob Starfish is sensitive to changes in water parameters. Stable, high-quality water is essential for its health, making regular water changes and careful monitoring a priority.
• Acclimation: This species is sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry. A slow drip acclimation process is recommended when introducing it to a new tank.