Blue Linckia Starfish

They require a very mature aquarium of at least 1 year a well lit sandy or coral rubble substrate, with many rocky hiding places. They are very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications.

Common Name(s): Blue Linckia Starfish, Comet Sea Star, Blue Starfish
Scientific/Other Name(s) : Linckia laevigata
Care Level : Expert-only
Maximum Size: 14"
Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Reef Safe: Yes
Feeding Requirements: Feed small bits of clam meat placed under the star. Keep with live rock and live sand for grazing on algae and microorganisms
Temperament / Behavior: Peaceful
Other Comments:

They require a very mature aquarium of at least 1 year a well lit sandy or coral rubble substrate, with many rocky hiding places. They are very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications.

Care should be taken to inspect Linckia frequently for parasitic snails, which usually take on the colour of the starfish. Remove them immediately upon detection as they suck out fluid and tissue and will cause serious damage to the host.

Linckia need a very long and slow acclimation period prior to introduction into the display aquarium.

Although they require extra care in the initial introduction and acclimatising, once a blue Linckia is successfully introduced into a large, well established aquarium with plenty of live rock to explore, they are usually quite hardy.

Blue Linckia Sea Stars forage the substrate and live rock for film algaes and microorganisms. Due to the overall size of this specimen and the amount of live rock needed to provide them with enough foodstuffs, the Blue Linckia Star is not suitable for most home aquariums. Expert aquarium hobbyists with very large aquariums and large amounts of live rock / live sand may be able to provide enough food options for this species to thrive. This species generally does not accept meaty prepared foods.