Asterina a small (under 1" across) off-white, light brown, or mottled starfish, with short, wide legs for its body size.
Asterina Starfish – Live Feeder for Marine Predators
Looking for a natural, nutritious treat for your shrimp, crabs, or predatory invertebrates? Asterina starfish are perfect as live feeder animals.
Why customers use Asterina as food:
High in protein: A nutritious addition to the diet of marine predators.
Easy to feed: Can be introduced directly into the tank or container with shrimp, crabs, or larger carnivorous invertebrates.
Natural behavior: Shrimp and other predators will enjoy hunting and feeding on live starfish, providing enrichment and stimulation.
Recommended Shrimp Types for Feeding on Asterina StarfishSuitable:
Tiger Shrimp (Caridina / Neocaridina larger species) – can pick at starfish pieces.
Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) – may nibble smaller or weakened Asterina.
Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis / Lysmata debelius) – opportunistic feeders.
Larger mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda) – will readily consume small starfish.
Asterina Starfish for Your AquariumLooking for a tiny, colorful helper for your reef or marine tank? Asterina starfish are small, hardy, and low-maintenance starfish that make a great addition to your aquarium.
Why customers choose Asterina:
Algae Cleanup Crew: They feed on microalgae and detritus, helping keep your tank clean.
Non-aggressive: Certain species, are safe with most corals and invertebrates.
Easy to Care For: Hardy starfish that tolerate a range of water conditions.
Fascinating Behavior: Watch them slowly crawl across rocks and substrate—great for hobbyists who enjoy observing unique marine life.
Asterina Starfish – Hobbyist Recommendations For Fishkeepers:
Asterina starfish can be a helpful addition to a marine tank for hobbyists keeping predatory or omnivorous fish that can safely feed on small invertebrates.Recommended Uses:
As a live food source for carnivorous or omnivorous fish.
For observation and enrichment, as fish interact with starfish in the tank.
Tip: Offer Asterina in moderation to predatory fish as part of a varied diet.
Asterina Starfish
This small star may be one of several species that hitchhikes into our tanks (Class: Astroidea). They are probably harmless algal grazers and detritivores, however, they should be watched carefully as many starfish are coral predators. They may have as few as 2 to as many as 6 fully formed arms. They commonly emerge from shelter at night.
Pest Management
Treatment: Harlequin Shrimp eat Asterina (as well as every other starfish), so use with caution. The easiest way to remove these pests is to simply pick them out
Prevention: Carefully examine any new piece of rock or coral before adding to your tank, and remove any unwanted pests.