Red Knobbed Starfish - Protoreaster lincki

Red Knobbed Starfish (Protoreaster lincki)

The Red Knobbed Starfish is a bold and highly distinctive marine starfish recognised for its pale body, vivid red markings and prominent raised knobs across the upper surface. Its unusual appearance makes it an eye-catching display animal, but unlike many reef-safe starfish it is an opportunistic feeder that may consume corals, sponges and other sessile invertebrates. For this reason, it is best suited to fish-only or carefully planned marine aquariums rather than delicate reef systems.

Common Name:
Red Knobbed Starfish, Red-Knobbed Sea Star, African Red Knob Starfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Protoreaster lincki

Maximum Size:
Approximately 30 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Red Knobbed Starfish occurs throughout tropical Indo-Pacific marine environments and is commonly associated with shallow lagoons, sandy reef flats, rubble zones and sheltered coastal habitats.

It spends much of its time moving slowly across sand, rock and other bottom surfaces while searching for food.

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

Red Knobbed Starfish are peaceful towards fish and do not display territorial behaviour.

Their main compatibility concern is feeding, as they are opportunistic and may consume a wide range of sessile reef organisms.

Diet:
Omnivore / Scavenger

The Red Knobbed Starfish feeds on detritus, carrion and a variety of benthic organisms.

In the aquarium, offer suitably sized pieces of prawn, mussel, cockle, clam, squid and other marine-based foods. Food can be placed close to the starfish to ensure it receives enough nutrition.

Regular supplementary feeding is important, particularly in clean aquariums where naturally occurring food is limited.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 200 litres

A spacious aquarium with plenty of open substrate is recommended, particularly as adults can become large and require adequate room to move.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Red Knobbed Starfish spends much of its time moving slowly across the substrate, rockwork and aquarium surfaces while searching for food.

It may climb onto rocks and other structures but generally benefits from broad areas of open sand or fine substrate.

The prominent red knobs across the upper surface are one of the most distinctive features of the species and become especially noticeable on mature individuals.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe

The Red Knobbed Starfish should not be considered reef safe.

It may feed on soft corals, sponges, anemones and other sessile invertebrates, making it unsuitable for conventional mixed reef aquariums.

It is better suited to fish-only or carefully planned marine systems where vulnerable sessile invertebrates are absent.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry and plenty of open substrate.

Stable salinity is especially important for echinoderms, and careful acclimation is strongly recommended when introducing the starfish.

Avoid sudden changes in salinity, temperature or other water parameters.

Copper-based medications must never be used in an aquarium containing this species.

Regular supplementary feeding should be provided rather than relying entirely on scavenging.

Avoid housing the Red Knobbed Starfish with known echinoderm predators, including some triggerfish, puffers and large predatory wrasses.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

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.