Fromia Indica Starfish

Fromia Indica Starfish: A Peaceful Gem for Reef Aquariums

The Fromia Indica Starfish is a beautiful, bright red sea star that quickly becomes a standout in any reef tank. Known for its hardiness compared to many other starfish, this species is a great option for aquarists who want something unique but still manageable with proper care.

Also called the Indian Sea Star or Red Fromia, this invertebrate spends its days slowly grazing over rockwork and glass, adding movement and color without disturbing corals or peaceful fish.

Natural Behavior & Ideal Tank Conditions

In the wild, the Fromia Indica Starfish inhabits coral reefs where it feeds on biofilm, microalgae, and tiny organisms living on rock surfaces. To keep it healthy in captivity, your aquarium should mimic this environment as closely as possible.

  • Tank size: 30–40 gallons minimum, larger is better for long-term success
  • Rockwork: Plenty of mature live rock for grazing and hiding
  • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth substrate to protect delicate tube feet
  • Lighting: Standard reef lighting; the starfish is not light-demanding

Stable water parameters are more important than chasing perfect numbers. Aim for:

  • Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 specific gravity
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <10–15 ppm

Fromia Indica Starfish do best in mature aquariums that have been running at least 6–8 months, with plenty of natural film algae and microfauna.

Feeding, Acclimation & Compatibility

The biggest challenge with the Fromia Indica Starfish is making sure it has enough to eat. Most individuals rely heavily on the natural food available on rock surfaces, so a clean but not sterile tank is ideal.

Feeding Tips

  • Allow natural algae and biofilm to grow on rockwork
  • Offer small pieces of high-quality frozen foods near the starfish (mysis, marine cuisine, or finely chopped seafood)
  • Target feed occasionally with a turkey baster or pipette, placing food directly in its path
  • Avoid over-cleaning rocks and glass so you don’t remove all of its natural grazing areas

Acclimation & Handling

  • Use a slow drip acclimation (45–60 minutes) to avoid shock from sudden changes
  • Never expose the starfish to air for long periods; keep it submerged during transfers when possible
  • Handle as little as possible; support the entire body if you must move it

Tank Mates & Reef Safety

Fromia Indica Starfish are considered reef-safe and peaceful. They typically ignore corals and fish, focusing on film algae and detritus.

  • Compatible with most reef-safe fish, shrimp, snails, and crabs
  • Avoid aggressive fish or predators such as triggers and large wrasses
  • Monitor with certain crabs that may nip at its arms

If you’re building a peaceful community reef, consider pairing your Fromia Indica Starfish with hardy soft corals and LPS corals. For more stocking ideas, see our guide to zoanthids and our overview of LPS corals. To learn how to prepare your system for sensitive invertebrates, check out our reef tank cycling guide.

With a stable, mature aquarium and gentle tank mates, the Fromia Indica Starfish can thrive for years, adding color, motion, and a touch of the natural reef to your home aquarium.