",[5] a characteristic pattern which distinguishes it from the black-spotted sister species Fromia milleporella.

Though this sea star normally has five rays, also called arms, some have been found with six, during the periods of regeneration.

This sea star may be fed small pieces or pellets of seafood such as shrimp or scallop.

This is because it is very sensitive to changes in water chemistry and often succumbs rapidly to bacterial infections due to rough handling, poor acclimatization, and starvation.

Hayashi studied Engel's collection and finding the specimens to be the same species as Fromia indica, considered the names to be synonymous.