Red Knob Sea Star

The Red Knob Sea Star (Echinaster echinophorus) is a peaceful invertebrate that is generally reef-safe with caution, admired for its bright red knobs, striking body coloration, and unique textured appearance.

Males typically resemble females but may be slightly smaller or have less pronounced knob coloration, while females and juveniles tend to display paler hues and smaller knobs.

These sea stars reach about 6–8 inches in diameter and should be housed in aquariums of at least 30 gallons, providing a sandy substrate with live rock, ample hiding spots, and open areas for movement. Maintaining stable water parameters—salinity around 1.020–1.025, temperature between 72–79°F, and pH 8.1–8.4—is essential, along with a secure lid since sea stars can occasionally climb out of the tank.

Their diet should include mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine pellets, and occasional algae, ensuring proper nutrition. With attentive care, the Red Knob Sea Star becomes a striking and captivating addition to any marine aquarium, enhancing both the visual appeal and ecological diversity of the tank.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.