Red Biscuit Sea Star

Pentaceraster sp.

Identification	A robust, cushion-shaped sea star in red to orange with raised darker tubercles across the upper surface. Sold under the trade name Red Biscuit Star; several similar Pentaceraster species enter the hobby under it.
Maximum Length	about 10″
Origin	Indo-Pacific
Minimum Tank Size	100 Gal. with a mature sand bed
Reef Compatibility	Not reef safe (with caution)

Behavior

A large, slow-moving forager that works sand and rubble. Impressive to look at, but like most big tropical stars it needs a large established system to find enough food, and it will graze sessile invertebrates along the way.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivore and detritivore. It needs a mature sand bed to forage over, supplemented with target-fed meaty foods.

Cautions

Difficult long term — many slowly starve in clean, small systems. It will eat sponges, clams and other sessile invertebrates. Very sensitive to salinity swings and copper, so acclimate by slow drip over several hours.