Description
Blue Linckia Sea Star (Linckia laevigata)
Overview
The Blue Linckia Sea Star (Linckia laevigata) is one of the most visually stunning invertebrates in the marine hobby. Known for its brilliant, solid blue color and elegant, elongated arms, it is a highly desired “showpiece” animal. However, it is notoriously difficult to keep and is generally considered an expert-only species.
- Size: Can reach up to 30 cm in diameter.
- Temperament: Extremely peaceful.
- Lifespan: Often very short in captivity; success requires specific environmental conditions.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: Requires a large, well-established aquarium (at least 200–300+ liters / 50–75+ gallons). A small, newer tank will not provide the biological stability or food sources they need.
- Acclimation (CRITICAL): These sea stars are extremely sensitive to changes in salinity and water chemistry. They require a very slow, multi-hour (often 4–6 hours) drip acclimation. Failure to properly acclimate is the #1 cause of death for this species.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)
- Salinity: Must be very stable (1.025 SG).
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Nitrates: Must be very low (ideally near 0 ppm).
Maintenance
Never Expose to Air: Like many echinoderms, you must never lift this sea star out of the water. Exposure to air can trap air bubbles in their vascular system, which can be fatal. If you need to move them, use a container to submerge them and lift them within the container.
Diet
- Feeding Habits: They are not scavengers in the traditional sense; they do not eat leftover fish food. Instead, they graze on micro-organisms, biofilm, and bacterial mats found on live rock and tank glass.
- Why they starve: In the average home aquarium, they eventually consume all the natural food sources available to them and slowly starve to death over several months. They cannot be “target fed” standard frozen foods.
Behavior and Compatibility
- Reef Safe: Yes, they are generally reef-safe and will not harm corals or fish.
- Tank Mates: Must be kept with very peaceful tank mates. Avoid fish that are known to pick at invertebrates, such as puffers, triggerfish, or large wrasses, as they will nip at the sea star’s delicate arms.
- Sensitivity: They have no defense against physical damage. If an arm is damaged, it is highly susceptible to bacterial infection and necrosis.
Tips
The “Slow Death” Reality: Because they are so difficult to feed, many aquarists find them to be unsuitable for long-term care. If you are determined to keep one, ensure your tank has at least 50–100 lbs of mature, high-quality live rock and that the tank has been running for at least 6–12 months.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
