Orange Finger Starfish - Echinaster

Orange Finger Starfish (Echinaster)

The Orange Finger Starfish is an attractive marine invertebrate recognised for its vivid orange colouration, slender arms and distinctive textured surface. Peaceful and slow moving, it spends much of its time travelling across rockwork and aquarium surfaces in search of natural films and organic material. Best suited to mature marine aquariums, this starfish requires stable water chemistry, established rockwork and careful acclimation.

Common Name:
Orange Finger Starfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Echinaster

Maximum Size:
Approximately 10–15 cm across, depending on species and maturity

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Orange Finger Starfish within the Echinaster group are associated with tropical marine reef environments, where they are typically found across rocky substrates, reef structure and areas rich in natural surface growth.

They spend much of their time moving slowly over hard surfaces while grazing and scavenging.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Copper: Must be avoided

Temperament:
Peaceful

The Orange Finger Starfish is peaceful and poses little threat to fish or most established reef inhabitants.

It should be protected from predatory fish and invertebrates that may nip at or consume starfish.

Diet:
Omnivore / Grazer / Scavenger

The Orange Finger Starfish feeds on natural biofilm, microorganisms and fine organic material found across established aquarium surfaces.

In mature aquariums, much of its feeding activity occurs naturally across rockwork.

Supplementary feeding may be offered using small pieces of suitable marine foods placed close to the starfish if required.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 100 litres

Aquarium maturity and the availability of established rockwork and natural grazing surfaces are more important than tank volume alone.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Orange Finger Starfish is a slow-moving invertebrate that spends much of its time travelling across rockwork, aquarium glass and other hard surfaces.

It may remain partially hidden during periods of higher activity from fish and become more visible during quieter periods.

Its deliberate movement and bright colouration make it an attractive addition to a peaceful marine display.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe With Caution

The Orange Finger Starfish is generally considered suitable for established reef aquariums.

It does not typically target healthy coral tissue, but individual feeding behaviour can vary and newly introduced specimens should be observed carefully.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
The Orange Finger Starfish should only be introduced to a mature, biologically stable marine aquarium.

Starfish can be particularly sensitive to sudden changes in salinity, temperature and other water parameters, so careful and gradual acclimation is essential.

Avoid exposing the starfish to rapid changes in salinity during water changes or transfer.

Copper-based medications must never be used, as copper is highly toxic to starfish and other marine invertebrates.

Provide plenty of mature rockwork and natural grazing surfaces.

Avoid keeping with predatory triggerfish, large wrasses, harlequin shrimp or other animals likely to attack starfish.

Good water quality and stable salinity are particularly important for long-term success.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the invert you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.