Spiny Sea Star

Spiny Sea Star (Echinaster sentus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its spiny arms, reddish to orange coloration, and unique star-shaped body with textured patterns. Males typically show similar external appearance to females, with no major visual dimorphism, while females/juveniles tend to be slightly smaller and less robust until maturity.

They reach about 6–8 inches in diameter and should be housed in aquariums of at least 50 gallons. Provide ample live rock, a sandy substrate, and stable surfaces for climbing and grazing, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4).

Diet should consist of detritus, film algae, and meaty foods like small pieces of shrimp, clam, or marine pellets. Spot feeding may be required in captivity to ensure long-term survival. With proper care, this echinoderm makes a unique and hardy addition to marine aquariums, though it should not be housed with aggressive predators that may nip at its arms.

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.