Neoferdina cumingi

(Gray, 1840)

Cuming’s Sea Star

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Size: 3 inches (7 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits lagoons and seaward reefs and seen on ledges, in caves and under rocks.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the home aquarium trade.

Best maintained in well-aged aquariums having various live rock formations containing algae films/organic films and/or collections of detritus. May also consume small invertebrate.

Since they are basically herbivorous and detritus feeders, occasional feedings with algae pellets may prove beneficial. Occasional feedings of small pieces of fish or mussel flesh is also recommended.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Echinodermata

Class: Asteroidea

Order: Valvatida

Family: Ophidiasteridae

Genus: Neoferdina

FYI: Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Omnivore

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: Sensitive to specific gravity/salinity changes, therefore be sure to adjust the bag's water to that of the aquarium in which it will be placed by slowly adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag every few minutes. In most cases, this process should take at least 15 minutes.

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderate

Temperature Range: 72 - 83°F (22 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4