Description
Fromia indica, commonly known as the Red Sea Star, is a striking and highly sought-after reef invertebrate admired for its vivid coloration and intricate surface patterning. This species displays a bright orange to red body covered in a distinct reticulated, tile-like pattern, with contrasting dark tips on each arm that give it a refined and unmistakable appearance. Slow-moving and graceful, the Fromia Sea Star adds visual interest and elegance to mature reef aquariums, where it spends most of its time traversing rockwork and hard surfaces.
Origin: Maldives (Indian Ocean)
Depth: 5–30 m (15–100 ft)
Lighting: Moderate; not light-sensitive and comfortable under standard reef lighting
Flow: Low to moderate; prefers gentle, consistent flow
Tank Placement: Rockwork and hard surfaces; rarely found on open sand
Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG (very sensitive to fluctuations)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Diet: Specialized feeder – consumes biofilms, microbial growth, and encrusting organisms; does not accept prepared foods and requires a well-established, mature aquarium
Temperament: Peaceful
Size: Up to 12 cm (5 inches)
Care Level: Advanced – sensitive to acclimation, shipping stress, and unstable parameters
Compatibility: Reef-safe; safe with corals and most invertebrates; should not be housed with aggressive fish or predatory crabs
