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Starfish are divided into three classes; Asteroidea that contains Sea & Cushion Stars, Ophiuroidea that contains Brittle, Serpent & Basket Stars, and Crinoidea that contains Feather Stars & Sea Lilies in the Subclass Articulata. Even though some starfish species do eat algae and most are scavengers that come out at night to feed on detritus and debris, here are some other important things about them that need to be considered before buying one. Depending on the species, many ARE predatory animals that will often attack and eat a wide range of invertebrates such as other starfishes, urchins, sponges, anemones, soft and stony corals of all types, coraline algae, clams and other mollusks, crustaceans, and sometimes even unwary or sleeping fish. Some starfish will survive in an aquarium if fed bits of clam, shrimp or other meaty fares, even though this might not be their natural diet.
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Inspect any starfish before buying it to make sure it is healthy. A limp or weak specimen is a poor choice, and even though some may recover over time, most do not. Prospects should be active, moving and full-bodied, and with sea star species the tube feet should be visible. A good test is to turn the starfish over on its back and see if it rights itself. Also be wary of wounds that appear to be fresh where arms are missing, as these are potential sights for infection or disease. For more details about what to look for when buying starfish, we suggest reading the “Selection” section of Robert Fenner’s “Sea Stars, Class Asteroidea” article.
When it comes to buying a starfish, or any livestock for that matter, it is important to thoroughly research any particular species, BEFORE you buy it! That being said, refer to our following starfish class profiles to learn more about the natural history, ecology, biology, and other characteristics of species found in each group.
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Beginners Guide 
