Blue Linckia Sea Star

[Brittany Marie]

Went to petco the other night and the had this beautiful Blue Linckia Sea Star. This thing was as big as my face!

I’ve always wanted a sea star but have been hesitant on getting one. How difficult are they? Any special needs?

It was very hard to not fall into an impulse buy, this thing is gorgeous!

 

[rkpetersen]

They are beautiful but often don't survive for very long even in well-established tanks, due to insufficient food. They are also very sensitive to changes in water conditions, and prone to parasitic snails. Similarly, acclimation needs to be done slowly and carefully, over a couple of hours. However if you manage to get one to survive initially it might do ok thereafter in a large enough tank.

Here's an article: https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/5/inverts

 

[ihavecrabs]

They have been seen eating surface film algae, aestera starfish, and meaty foods. No one really knows to be honest.

As far as special needs, the success is greatly dependent on 1) tank stability and how established it is, 2) how well it did in shipping, and 3) how well it was acclimated both to the stores tank and your tank.

 

[Brittany Marie]

They are beautiful but often don't survive for very long even in well-established tanks, due to insufficient food. They are also very sensitive to changes in water conditions, and prone to parasitic snails. Similarly, acclimation needs to be done slowly and carefully, over a couple of hours. However if you manage to get one to survive initially it might do ok thereafter in a large enough tank.

Here's an article: https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/5/inverts

Thank you, that was a very helpful article

 

[rkpetersen]

Thank you, that was a very helpful article

You're welcome. Incidentally I have found that the yellow and orange spotted Linkia multiflora pictured there in general does considerably better in aquariums than the blue Linkia laevigata (although the article suggests that they're actually the same species!)

 

[Livinlocal]

I have one, and it’s by far my favorite starfish. I know that they are “hard to keep”, but I have had mine for three years with no issues at all, and it has gone through three different moves.

 

[norfolkgarden]

I have one, and it’s by far my favorite starfish. I know that they are “hard to keep”, but I have had mine for three years with no issues at all, and it has gone through three different moves.

3 years is the best I have heard of.

Can we pick your brains about every single aspect of your tank?? [emoji846]

Rock solid parameters with sps?

Do you feed it anything it will actually eat?

Thank you!

 

[Livinlocal]

Sure, ask away. My build thread has some photos of the moves that it has lived through as well.

I do have solid parameters. Mixed reef, but mainly sps. I also have a 6’ frag/growout tank attached to the system. He has lived in the display with and without sand over the 3 years. I have seen him over every portion of my tank. Unlike other starfish, I have never actually seen him eat anything off the glass, but he will sometimes sleep on the glass during the day. The only time I know he is actually eating, is when I add anything to the display, because he will wrap around it for a few days.

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

@Brittany Marie IMO I would seriously pass on the starfish. I wouldn't even consider one unless your tank is very mature. We kept one for a few years back in 2012 and it slowly faded away. I'm sure there are members that have or keep them but the success rate is low. I would consider them expert level care and needs.

 

[Kamden Uelton]

I have a Blue Phataria Star in my 30 gallom, I've had it for a year now and it looks just like the Blue Linkia

 

[Jadran]

Unlike other starfish, I have never actually seen him eat anything off the glass, but he will sometimes sleep on the glass during the day. The only time I know he is actually eating, is when I add anything to the display, because he will wrap around it for a few days.

That means it can be target fed, right?
If I may ask what have you been feeding it with?

thx.