Australian Biscuit Sea Star

Australian Biscuit Sea Star:
An Introduction to Their Care, Diet, and Aquarium Maintenance

 Overview

 The Australian Biscuit Starfish is a unique and vibrant sea star native to the waters around Australia. Known for its round, disc-like shape and vibrant coloration, it’s a fascinating addition to a marine aquarium. This species is often sought after by aquarium enthusiasts due to its interesting appearance and relatively hardy nature when cared for properly.

 Care Level - REEF SAFE

• Moderate
• Experience Level: Suitable for intermediate to advanced aquarium keepers.
• While generally hardy, the Australian Biscuit Starfish requires specific tank conditions to thrive. It is important to have a well-established, stable aquarium before introducing this species. New or unstable tanks can be challenging for these starfish due to their sensitivity to water quality changes.

Ideal Tank Conditions

• Water Temperature: 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F)
• Salinity: 1.022 – 1.025 SG
• pH Level: 7.9 to 8.4
• Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons for a healthy environment with enough space for the starfish to move around.
• Filtration: Good filtration and water movement are essential to maintain clean water conditions.

• It is also important to avoid placing the starfish in a tank with large, aggressive species that could harm it.

Diet and Feeding

The Australian Biscuit Starfish is primarily a scavenger, feeding on detritus, algae, and smaller organic matter that naturally accumulates on the substrate and rocks of the aquarium.

• Food Preferences:
• Detritus and decaying matter
• Algae and biofilm on rocks
• Small invertebrates like crustaceans and mollusks
• It can also be fed special prepared foods, such as shrimp pellets or sinking pellets designed for starfish.

These starfish do not require daily feeding, as they typically graze throughout the day. Offering a well-balanced, varied diet will help maintain their health.

Aquarium Maintenance

 To ensure the Australian Biscuit Starfish thrives, regular aquarium maintenance is crucial.

• Water Quality: Regular water changes (10-15% every two weeks) help maintain healthy water conditions.
• Substrate and Rocks: They rely on clean substrate to forage for food, so ensure the bottom of the tank is covered with live sand or fine gravel. Add rocks and other surfaces for them to explore.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable, as this species does not require intense lighting to survive.

Compatibility with Other Tank Mates

 The Australian Biscuit Starfish is relatively peaceful and does well in aquariums with other non-aggressive marine life. However, avoid placing them in tanks with large predatory fish or invertebrates that might see them as food. It also tends to do better with other peaceful creatures like small fish, corals, and soft corals.

Important Notes

• Handling: Avoid handling the starfish as they are delicate creatures, and their arms can easily be damaged. If they are handled improperly, their limbs may break off, and it can be difficult for them to regenerate.
• Regeneration: If a limb does get damaged, it is possible for the Australian Biscuit Starfish to regenerate over time, but this process can take several months.

Care Tips for Success:

• Monitor water quality regularly.
• Ensure your aquarium has enough live rock or substrate for grazing.
• Feed a balanced diet and avoid overfeeding.
• Keep the tank peaceful and free of large predators.

This species will reward you with a striking visual presence and an interesting addition to your aquatic ecosystem!