Necklace Sea Star (Fromia monilis) Care Guide
Fromia monilis is a red-and-cream tiled Indo-Pacific sea star, smaller and more peaceful than Linckia, that needs an established reef with film algae.
Overview
Fromia monilis is a Goniasteridae sea star with bright red arm tips and disc centre, paler intermediate areas, and large contrasting plates that resemble tiles. It is smaller and more peaceful than Linckia and lives in reef environments that require established conditions with developed algae growth.
Taxonomy
- Class: Asteroidea
- Order: Valvatida
- Family: Goniasteridae
- Genus: Fromia
- Scientific name: Fromia monilis
Habitat
The species occurs throughout the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific, from the Andaman Islands to Australia and Japan, living in reef environments.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- dKH: 8-11
- Size: 5-10 cm in diameter
- Lifespan: 4-8 years
- Acclimation: slow drip acclimation required
Diet
Fromia monilis feeds on encrusting sponges, detritus, and small invertebrates, and in aquaria sustains itself on thin layers of algae over rock surfaces. It depends on naturally occurring algae growth and can starve when biofilm is insufficient, so a mature, well-established system is essential.
Compatibility
Peaceful and reef-safe with fish. Harlequin shrimp prey on sea stars and should be avoided.