Fromia monilis Breeding Guide: Necklace Star Spawning
The necklace sea star is a broadcast-spawning asteroid; its planktonic larval development is not reproduced in home aquaria.
Overview
Fromia monilis, the necklace sea star, is a member of the genus Fromia, family Goniasteridae, found in the Pacific Ocean. It has a red body with a contrasting cream tile pattern. Wikipedia notes that Fromia monilis and Fromia nodosa can be very difficult to identify, as they closely resemble each other and even unrelated species.
Reproductive Mode
Fromia monilis is a gonochoric broadcast spawner like other members of the class Asteroidea. Species-specific spawning records are limited, so the reproductive description follows the general starfish pattern applicable to the family.
Sexual Reproduction
Eggs and sperm are released into the water during free spawning, and the embryos and larvae become part of the plankton. Larvae develop through bilaterally symmetrical bipinnaria and brachiolaria stages, then settle and metamorphose into small pentaradial juveniles around 1 mm in diameter.
Common Challenges
The planktonic larval phase requires open-water dispersal and specialised microfood that home aquaria cannot provide, so the cycle is not completed in captivity. No asexual reproduction is documented for this species. It also requires careful acclimation and a mature, stable reef.