{"product_id":"elegant-starfish","title":"Elegant Starfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Elegant Starfish (\u003cem\u003eFromia elegans\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the Marble Starfish, is a visually striking sea star appreciated for its vibrant coloration and unique patterns. While it can be a captivating addition to marine aquariums, proper care is essential to ensure its health and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEssential Information:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Elegant Starfish, Marble Starfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eFromia elegans\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Goniasteridae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\/Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Inhabits lagoons and outer reefs in the Indo-West Pacific region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 5 inches (12 cm) in diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e With proper care, they can live several years in captivity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLevel of Difficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; suitable for aquarists with some experience in marine invertebrate care.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes; they are generally considered reef-safe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Physical Traits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColoration \u0026amp; Pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Displays a range of colors, including red, orange, and purple, often with contrasting lighter or darker spots, giving a marbled appearance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody Shape \u0026amp; Structure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Exhibits a classic starfish form with five arms radiating from a central disc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat \u0026amp; Environmental Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e A well-established marine aquarium of at least 30 gallons (114 liters) is recommended to provide adequate space and stable water conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prefers temperatures between 72–78°F (22–25.5°C).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintains best health in water with a pH of 8.1–8.4.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal specific gravity ranges from 1.023 to 1.025.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires a mature aquarium with ample live rock to provide grazing surfaces and hiding spots. A soft, sandy substrate is preferred to prevent injury to their delicate tube feet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivorous scavenger\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePreferred Foods:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feeds on biofilm, detritus, and microorganisms found on live rock and substrate. In captivity, their diet can be supplemented with small pieces of shrimp, squid, and other meaty foods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Frequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer supplemental feedings 2–3 times per week, ensuring food reaches the sea star, as they are slow-moving and may not compete well with faster tank mates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally peaceful and non-aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSocial Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solitary; does not require companions and may exhibit territorial behavior towards other sea stars.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mate Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates. Avoid housing with species known to prey on sea stars.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActivity Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Primarily nocturnal; most active during nighttime hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Considerations \u0026amp; Additional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEase of Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires stable water parameters and a mature aquarium environment. Sensitive to sudden changes in salinity, temperature, and pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Due to their specialized diet, they should be introduced into well-established aquaria that have been running for at least one year. A slow and careful acclimation process is essential to prevent shock.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding Info:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reproduction in captivity is rare and not well-documented. In the wild, they are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Regular monitoring of water quality is essential, as Elegant Starfish are intolerant of poor conditions. Quarantine new additions to the tank to prevent the introduction of pathogens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Inverts Bay","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43066059096203,"sku":"4306605909","price":60.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0628\/8578\/9835\/files\/elegant-starfish.jpg?v=1739068998","url":"https:\/\/ca9ea5-6d.myshopify.com\/products\/elegant-starfish","provider":"Inverts Bay","version":"1.0","type":"link"}