Fromia indica
(Perrier, 1869)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
One of the species of starfish in Oman. The species was originally described from the Andaman Islands (India), hence its name. It reaches 10-12 cm in diameter and has a very velvety orange-red with a very fine lace of dark lines underwater. Note that because red wave length disappear rapidly with depth, the species can appear much darker underwater and only reveal its color under artificial light.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
So far, Fromia indica has only been observed in Dhofar.
World wide it seem to be found in both the Indian Ocean, (So far East of Sri Lanka) and the western Pacific Ocean, up east to Fiji.
World wide it seem to be found in both the Indian Ocean, (So far East of Sri Lanka) and the western Pacific Ocean, up east to Fiji.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
In Oman it is a rare species, photograph but do not collect. Although this species appears often in the aquarium trade, the specimen sold are collected from the Eastern Indian Ocean where it i more common. Like other species in the same family (Goniasteridae), F. indica is likely carnivore, feeding on bryozoan, sponges and sessile tunicates.