Starfish in an aggresive tank

cubfan

Member
Has anyone ever put a starfish in with lionfish, groupers, and wrasse? Currently, I just have a V. lion in a 150 and my wife thought a Blue linkia or a burgandy sea star would make a nice addition. I like to call my tank an "aggressive reef" because it does have some colt coral and yellow polyps in it. I'm planning on adding 2 more fish in the future (panther grouper and wrasse of some sort or another lion) Can I possibly add a starfish?
 

ophiura

Active Member
IMO, this star would be a poor choice. Reef safe stars require pristine water conditions (such as found in a mature reef tank, over 6 months old, specific gravity 1.025-1.206, low nitrates, etc). They can not be spot fed and require, in the case of a blue Linckia, at least 100lbs of LR to graze on, minimum. Other Linckia such as an orange or burgandy might be OK with less rock - but it is not guaranteed.
In addition, puffers, large wrasses and triggers are predators of seastars. Large angels may also take interest in the star.
I would be somewhat more comfortable with a non reef star such as a chocolate chip, red African, or general...as they are a bit hardier and can be easily fed. Water quality still has to be quite good nonetheless, and there is still a risk with the wrasses and other fish you might try to put in.
All in all, though, I would not do it...my primary concern would be water quality and feeding. If you do try, be sure to read up on acclimation of these stars as they have very special needs, and get any water quality issues settled will in advance. Also, I do not recommend more than one except in very large systems.
People might say they have done this with less LR...but be sure that it has worked over a year, as seastars like Blue Linckia take 9-12 months to starve.
 

unleashed

Active Member
if you truly want a star fish try a brittle star or serpant they will do fin with the lion and grouper.but the wrass and puffer will def make him a snack.I will warn ya with the panther grouper hes a pig lol this guy has one heck of an appetite if you dont mind a high food bill for your fish hes a cool addition.m lion lovs to sit on mine
 

unleashed

Active Member
ok I would like to retract my statment about groupers being safe with star fish of any kind.I just had to remove mine from my agressive tank due to someone ate an arm. he is now safe in my reef tank
 
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