I guess it was social distancing . . .

[Timfish]

Since I got this Linckia in 2008 it shows up every 2 or 3 months. Was kinda thinking it had died of old age or something since it hadn't been out since winter so I guess it was just social distanceing like everyone else.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Lol weird, you must have tons of hiding places in your tank! I had a chance to get one of these a while back but passed because everyone said the they don't survive long in tanks. 2008 is a long time, what's your secret?

 

[Timfish]

No filtration. Most I've had live significantly less than a year (dame issue with Fromia spp.). My suspicion is they either stress out from shipping and handling or don't find enough food. Since this one is hidden so much I'm inclined to think it's feeding mostly off biofilms and detritus behind/between the rocks.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

No filtration. Most I've had live significantly less than a year (dame issue with Fromia spp.). My suspicion is they either stress out from shipping and handling or don't find enough food. Since this one is hidden so much I'm inclined to think it's feeding mostly off biofilms and detritus behind/between the rocks.

Hmm dirty tank with lots of detritus, that sounds right up my alley. Maybe I will give one a shot. Have you had any trouble with them bothering corals?

 

[Timfish]

None at all. Here's a video of the tank:

 

[xxkenny90xx]

None at all. Here's a video of the tank:

Very nice! Those tangs look like they're waiting for something...

 

[Anihiel1]

you need to enter the Noopsyche social distance giveaway!

 

[Timfish]

Very nice! Those tangs look like they're waiting for something...

Thank you! Food. From twelve feet away the sailfin (Elvis) can discern between me holding a cup, a glass or his food container. ;Watching

 

[Cory]

I've always wondered what those blue starfish eat. I read that scientists dont even know.

 

[Timfish]

I've always wondered what those blue starfish eat. I read that scientists dont even know.

And it may is still be true we don't know what teh species normally eats. My thinking is based on this ONE Linkia's behaviour, not a good sample size for any solid conclusion. Some starfish species have demonstrated social hierarchies which suggests some species may be capable of learning and having preferences so it's while highly unlikely in my opinion, but remotely possible this specimen has learned to adapted it's diet to this aquarium and we can't assume a second one would. I do think it's safe to say it isn't eating algae like Aquilonastra spp starfish (aka Asterina) or it would be visible most of the time. Cryptic sponges that are visible under the aquascaping is not being eaten so it's likely sponges are not a significant part of it's diet. They're pretty slow movers so small shimps and 'pods aren't likely a major part of it's diet either. That kinda leave biofilms and detritus. But it might be specific types of sponges or fungii that jsut happen to be common in this tank.

 

[Cory]

And it may is still be true we don't know what teh species normally eats. My thinking is based on this ONE Linkia's behaviour, not a good sample size for any solid conclusion. Some starfish species have demonstrated social hierarchies which suggests some species may be capable of learning and having preferences so it's while highly unlikely in my opinion, but remotely possible this specimen has learned to adapted it's diet to this aquarium and we can't assume a second one would. I do think it's safe to say it isn't eating algae like Aquilonastra spp starfish (aka Asterina) or it would be visible most of the time. Cryptic sponges that are visible under the aquascaping is not being eaten so it's likely sponges are not a significant part of it's diet. They're pretty slow movers so small shimps and 'pods aren't likely a major part of it's diet either. That kinda leave biofilms and detritus. But it might be specific types of sponges or fungii that jsut happen to be common in this tank.

I agree its something slow for sure like biofilms or detritus. Do you dose anything to create more biofilm?

 

[Timfish]

No dosing of anything. This system has two autofeeders that feed NLS pellets. There's also no skimmer, sump, refugium or any kind of external filter. Water movement is provided by 2 power heads and 2 air pumps.