AquairiLearn

Red Fromia Starfish (Fromia milleporella) Care Guide

A beautiful bright red starfish that is reef-safe and does not eat corals. Slow-moving detritivore that grazes on biofilm and microalgae on live rock.

Overview

Fromia milleporella is a species in the family Goniasteridae. A beautiful bright red starfish that is reef-safe and does not eat corals. Slow-moving detritivore that grazes on biofilm and microalgae on live rock. Requires a mature, established aquarium with plenty of live rock surface area. Sensitive to acclimation — drip acclimate slowly.

Taxonomy

  • Family: Goniasteridae
  • Genus: Fromia
  • Scientific name: Fromia milleporella
  • Other names: Red Tile Starfish
  • Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Fromia milleporella is a small red starfish of Indo-Pacific reefs that grazes biofilm, detritus and microfauna from rock and sand. It is sensitive to water-quality swings and requires slow acclimation and a mature, stable system; generally reef-safe.

Tank requirements

  • Minimum tank volume: 100 L
  • Temperature: 24-27 °C
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
  • KH: 8-12 dKH
  • Water flow: moderate
  • Adult size: 5-8 cm
  • Lifespan: 3-5 years
  • Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as detritivore. Recommended feeding frequency: grazer. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

  • Temperament: peaceful
  • Position in tank: bottom
  • Compatible tank mates: Most Reef Fish, Corals
  • Avoid with: Harlequin Shrimp, Predatory Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

More Species Profiles

View all Species Profiles