Encyclopaedia
Rose Starfish
Nardoa rosea
Native to the Indo-Pacific. Found on shallow coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky slopes with rich micro-flora..
- Family
- Ophidiasteridae
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific Ocean: distributed in tropical reefs of Indonesia and the Philippines.
- Origin
- Tropical oceans and reefsSouth and Southeast Asia
- Tank use
- Used in 0 tanks
Share
22 °C - 26 °C
8.1 - 8.4
Marine
Scavenger (detritivore)
High
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat:
Native to the Indo-Pacific. Found on shallow coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky slopes with rich micro-flora.
Taxonomy:
Member of the Ophidiasteridae family. Features five cylindrical, textured arms covered in small bumps. Grows to 15.0 cm.
Social Behavior:
Peaceful and slow. Crawls on live rocks filtering organic material and microalgae.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism:
Pinkish or rose-red base color with dark spots. Visual sex differences are absent.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Tank Setup:
Needs an established reef tank with ample live rock. Maintain stable salinity and temperature.
Diet and Feeding:
Detritivore. Grazes on biofilm and organic waste. Feed small pieces of fish or clam meat near the mouth occasionally.
Water Quality:
Highly sensitive. pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.023-1.025. Ensure copper levels are zero.
Compatibility and Tankmates:
Reef-safe. Best kept with quiet community reef fish. Avoid Harlequin Shrimp.
Aquarium Breeding:
Not documented in home aquaria.
Risks and Diseases:
High risk of tissue rot if exposed to air or salinity shock. Copper-based medications are
Invertebrate profile
- Type
- Starfish
- Diet
- Detritivore
- Ecological role
- Scavenger (detritivore)
- Minimum group
- 1
- Adult size
- 15 cm
- GH
- n/a
- KH
- 8 dKH - 12 dKH
- TDS
- n/a
- Copper
- High
- Shock sensitivity
- Alta
- Calcium and minerals
- Medio
- Molting
- Non muta.
- Reproduction
- Raramente si riproduce in acquario domestico; riproduzione per rilascio di gameti.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- Reef-safe con i coralli, ma richiede rocce ricche di biofilm e detriti.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Other recommended species with similar care requirements and water parameters.
