General Starfish; Color – Pentaceraster sp.

About this invertebrate

General Starfish; Color – Pentaceraster sp. is a marine starfish (sea star) sold for saltwater aquariums. As a Pentaceraster-type sea star, it can help add natural scavenging behavior and may actively pick at leftover foods on the substrate. It’s typically best used as a hardy “reef cleanup style” invertebrate where water quality is stable and the tank can support its feeding needs.

Features:

• Acts as a scavenger, often helping consume leftover meaty foods on or near the substrate
• Generally non-aggressive toward most tankmates, but may consume small slow-moving invertebrates depending on what’s available
• Does best in established, well-filtered marine systems with stable conditions
• Prefers a secure substrate where it can settle and avoid being overturned during feeding or flow changes
• Low to moderate light is typically sufficient since sea stars are not dependent on strong lighting

Specifications:

• Scientific identity (shop listing): Pentaceraster sp.
• Care level (general guidance): Intermediate; requires stable saltwater conditions and reliable feeding
• Diet (general guidance): Omnivorous/scavenging; typically accepts sinking or meaty foods and can benefit from routine feedings
• Temperature (general reef range): ~72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity (general reef range): ~1.023–1.026 SG
• pH (general reef range): ~8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity (general reef range): ~7–11 dKH
• Calcium (general reef range): ~400–450 ppm
• Magnesium (general reef range): ~1280–1350 ppm
• Placement (general guidance): On the bottom/substrate in low to moderate flow areas where it can remain settled