Indian starfish (Fromia indica) care guide

Group
Other invertebrates
Other names
Indian sea star, Red starfish, Red Fromia, Fromia elegans (Engel, 1938)
Family
Goniasteridae
Origin
Indian Ocean and western Pacific, from Sri Lanka and the Andaman Islands to Fiji, Japan and Australia; lagoons and outer reefs to about 25 m
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
10 cm
Temperature
24–28°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
SG 1.024–1.026, dKH 8–12
Minimum tank
150 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes

Care

The Indian starfish is a small, bright red starfish about 7.5–10 cm across, with five arms. Young animals are bright red, sometimes with black arm tips; adults are duller red. Its skin carries a fine black network of lines, which separates it from the similar black-spotted Fromia milleporella. Many are exported through Sri Lanka. Set-up: add only to a mature reef tank (ideally a year old or more) with plenty of live rock, because it grazes the thin film of microalgae, detritus and tiny animals on rock surfaces and can slowly starve in a new or very clean tank. A tank of 150 litres or more gives enough grazing area for one. Water: starfish are very sensitive to changes in salinity and to poor water, so keep salinity stable at the higher end of normal and acclimatise very slowly by drip over at least an hour. Do not expose it to air during transfer if possible. Signs of trouble include white patches or arms dropping off. Reef role: reef safe; it does not harm corals, fish or other invertebrates, and it adds colour. Copper: copper-based medicines and some plant fertilisers are toxic to shrimp, snails and most invertebrates. Never dose copper in a tank holding this animal, and check fertiliser and medicine labels before use. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fromiaindica). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Detritus, microalgae, biofilm and small invertebrates on live rock. In a very clean tank target-feed small pieces of shrimp, mysis or a sinking pellet under its arms once or twice a week.

Breeding

Sexes are separate in most starfish and spawning is by releasing eggs and sperm into the water. It can regrow lost arms. It is not bred in home aquariums.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful and reef safe. Harlequin shrimp, many puffers, triggers and some angelfish eat starfish. Do not keep with large, boisterous fish that pick at it.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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