Red Velvet Sea Star

The Invertebrate Red Velvet Sea Star (Linckia sp.) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe, admired for its vibrant red coloration, velvety texture, elegant arm shape, and moderate size, making it a striking addition to any marine aquarium.

Males typically cannot be easily distinguished from females visually, while females/juveniles are similar in appearance, often slightly smaller and with more delicate arms. They reach about 6–8 inches in diameter and should be housed in aquariums of at least 30 gallons.

 Provide a well-established environment with a deep sandbed, ample live rock for grazing, and open spaces for movement, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temperature ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4) and a secure lid, as many sea stars are prone to wandering or climbing.

Their diet should consist of microalgae, detritus, and supplemental foods such as finely crushed mysis, brine shrimp, or other specialized invertebrate foods. With proper care, the Red Velvet Sea Star becomes a vivid and low-maintenance highlight in a reef or marine display.

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.