Protoreaster linckii

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Facts
Latin name Protoreaster linckii
Local name Red Knob Sea Star
Family Asteroidea - Protoreaster
Origin East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Indonesia
Max length 30 cm (11.8")
As aquarium fish
Minimum volume 1000 l (264 gal)
Hardiness Average
Suitable for aquarium Suitable with care
Reef safe Not reef safe
Aggressiveness Peaceful
Feed
Recommended Large polyp stone coral (LPS)
Larger crustaceans (Shrimp, crabs...)
Macroalgea (Eg. seaweed / nori)
Microalgea (Eg. spirulina)
Other invertebrates
Soft coral
Maybee Fish
Small polyp stone coral (SPS)
Beware of
Treat towards sleeping fish

This species may eat sleeping or weakened fish.

Eats most invertebrates and soft corals

This species may eat among others crabs, clams, anemones, soft corals, snails, sea stars and sea urchins.

Descriptions and further reading
Family description (Asteroidea)

Sea stars can be an essential part of a clean up crew, as many species live of algae and detritus.
Some species are even quite colorful.

Sea stars should not be kept in tanks with high levels of nitrate or phosphate, as they are more sensitive than most fish.
They might begin to "erode" if the water quality is low or if not provided with enough food.

Many species might be able to find enough food on their own in the aquarium, but if they show signs of starvation, one should feed them fish pellets or similar.

Some species are sensitive to air and changes in salinity, so be careful when moving and acclimating sea stars.

Most sea stars in the trade are harmless and beneficial, but one should be careful when purchasing species with spines, as these are often predatory.

References and further reading

About references

Ronald L. Shimek. 2004. Marine Invertebrates (PocketExpert Guide) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Philip A. Purser. Aquarium Sea Stars - Fish Channel - (English)
Richard Aspinall. 2015. Sea Stars for the Marine Aquarium - Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine - (English)