Whitsundays starfish 3”+

Whitsunday Starfish Care Guide (

Iconaster longimanus

)

The Whitsunday Starfish (Iconaster longimanus) is a beautiful Indo-Pacific sea star prized for its vibrant orange coloration and long, elegant arms. It is best suited for mature reef aquariums with stable water quality and plenty of natural rock surfaces to graze.

Difficulty

Intermediate to Advanced

Reef Safe

Generally reef safe with corals. May consume biofilm, sponges, and other natural organisms growing on live rock. Avoid housing with predatory fish, crabs, or shrimp that may nip at its tube feet.

Aquarium Size

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

• Mature aquarium (6 to 12+ months old) recommended

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76 to 80°F (24 to 27°C)

• Salinity: 1.025 to 1.026 SG

• pH: 8.1 to 8.4

• Alkalinity: 8 to 10 dKH

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: Under 20 ppm

Stable water quality is critical. Sea stars are very sensitive to rapid changes in salinity and water chemistry.

Diet

In the aquarium, Iconaster longimanus primarily grazes on:

• Biofilm

• Microalgae

• Bacterial films

• Sponges and other natural growth on live rock

• Detritus

In well-established aquariums, supplemental feeding is often unnecessary. If needed, occasional small pieces of clam, mussel, shrimp, scallop, or other marine foods may be offered near the mouth on the underside of the starfish.

Acclimation

Slow drip acclimation for 1 to 2 hours is strongly recommended. Avoid exposing the starfish to air whenever possible, and never make rapid salinity adjustments.

Compatibility

Compatible with:

• Reef fish

• Corals

• Most peaceful invertebrates

Avoid:

• Triggerfish

• Puffers

• Large wrasses

• Harlequin shrimp

• Large predatory crabs

Notes

• Best kept in mature aquariums with abundant live rock.

• Handle gently and only when necessary.

• Sudden swings in salinity, temperature, or pH are the most common causes of stress.

• Healthy specimens will move steadily around the aquarium while grazing.

With proper care and stable conditions, the Whitsunday Starfish makes a striking and unique centerpiece for established reef aquariums.