Hobbies And Interests
Physical Characteristics
As juveniles, these starfish are a mottled green color. As they mature, they develop distinctive spiky red knobs. Red-knobbed starfish reach a maximum length of approximately 12 inches. Although these starfish have genders, males and females are indistinguishable when viewed with the naked eye. This is one of the reasons it is extremely difficult to breed red-knobbed starfish in captivity.
Habitat
Red-knobbed starfish inhabit relatively shallow, coastal waters of the Indian ocean, at depths ranging from a couple of feet to over a hundred. They are benthic creatures -- they live on the sea floor.
Diet
This starfish is an omnivore, eating a mixture of animal and vegetable matter. In particular it feeds upon algae, especially when young, and any smaller animals slow enough for it to catch. It is mostly carnivorous as an adult, eating a varied diet of sponges, corals, bivalve mollusk and even slow-moving fish.
Care
Red-knobbed starfish need a large, established marine tank. They obtain some of their food from scavenging but also need supplemental feed about once a week. Meaty foods such as shrimp and chopped fish are ideal. Never use copper medications when starfish are in a tank. Monitor nitrate levels, which should be as close to zero as possible. Don't keep this species with sessile reef invertebrates such as soft corals, unless you are happy for these invertebrates to become the starfish's lunch. Red-knobbed starfish are not tolerant to sudden changes in water chemistry, so adjust your tank to the specifications of the supplier's tank before purchasing one. Additionally, keep starfish under water at all times; exposure to air can kill them.