Blue Linckia Starfish – South Pacific (Linckia laevigata)

 

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivorous
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Maximum Size: Up to 12 inches
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025, temperature 75-82°F

Comprehensive Guide: Blue Linckia Starfish – South Pacific (Linckia laevigata)

The Blue Linckia Starfish, also known as the South Pacific Starfish, is a beautiful and popular species often found in saltwater aquariums. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover various aspects of keeping this starfish in your aquarium.

Habitat

The Blue Linckia Starfish is native to the South Pacific region, including areas such as Australia, Fiji, and Indonesia. It inhabits coral reefs and rocky areas with ample hiding spots and crevices.

Reef Safe

The Blue Linckia Starfish is generally considered reef safe. It primarily feeds on detritus, algae, and small invertebrates, making it a beneficial addition to a reef tank. However, caution should be exercised when keeping it with delicate or small-polyped stony corals (SPS), as it may accidentally damage them while moving around.

Reef Cleaner

The Blue Linckia Starfish is not considered a reef cleaner in the traditional sense. While it does consume some algae and detritus, its primary role in the aquarium is more ornamental. If you’re looking for a dedicated reef cleaner, other species like certain snails or hermit crabs may be more suitable.

Size

These Starfish can grow up to 12 inches in diameter, making it a relatively large starfish species. It’s important to provide a spacious aquarium with ample room for it to move and explore.

Sexual Dimorphism

The Blue Linckia Starfish does not exhibit any noticeable sexual dimorphism, making it difficult to determine the sex of an individual without specialized techniques.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of the Blue Linckia Starfish is around 2-5 years in the wild. In well-maintained aquariums with proper care, they can live for several years.

Diet in Aquariums

In aquariums, the Blue Linckia Starfish is a carnivorous species. It primarily feeds on small invertebrates, detritus, and algae. It’s important to provide a varied diet consisting of meaty foods like shrimp, fish, and marine-based pellets or flakes.

Aquacultured Availability

The Blue Linckia Starfish is not commonly aquacultured, and most specimens available in the hobby are wild-caught. This makes it important to source them from reputable suppliers to ensure they are sustainably collected and properly acclimated to aquarium life.

Compatibility with Other Tankmates

The Blue Linckia Starfish is generally compatible with peaceful fish, invertebrates, and corals. However, caution should be exercised when keeping it with aggressive or predatory species that may harm or harass the starfish. Here are five popular tankmates that can be good choices:

1. Clownfish: Clownfish are known for their peaceful nature and symbiotic relationship with anemones. They can coexist harmoniously with the Blue Linckia Starfish.
2. Firefish: Firefish are small, peaceful fish that can add vibrant colors to your aquarium. They are unlikely to pose any threat to the starfish.
3. Cleaner Shrimp: Cleaner shrimp can help keep the starfish clean by removing parasites and dead skin. They are compatible tankmates that can benefit both species.
4. Soft Corals: Many soft corals, such as mushrooms or leathers, can tolerate the movements of the starfish without being damaged. They can provide additional color and texture to your reef tank.
5. Snails: Certain snail species, like the Turbo Snail or Nassarius Snail, can help with algae control and contribute to the overall cleanliness of the aquarium.

Temperament

The Blue Linckia Starfish is a peaceful species that generally keeps to itself. It spends most of its time slowly moving across the substrate or climbing on rocks and corals. It’s important to avoid keeping them with aggressive or territorial tankmates that may harm or stress the starfish.

Other Common Names

The Blue Linckia Starfish is also commonly known as the South Pacific Starfish or Blue Starfish.

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Reefs4Less.com is a reputable online retailer that specializes in saltwater aquarium supplies and livestock. Here are a few reasons why you should consider buying from them:

• Wide Selection: Reefs4Less.com offers a wide range of marine species, including the Blue Linckia Starfish, ensuring you have access to a diverse selection for your aquarium.
• Quality Assurance: They prioritize the health and well-being of their livestock, ensuring that the specimens they offer are healthy and properly acclimated.
• Expert Advice: Reefs4Less.com has knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance and support in choosing the right species and maintaining a successful saltwater aquarium.
• Convenience: With online shopping, you can easily browse and purchase your desired species from the comfort of your home, with the added convenience of doorstep delivery.
• Customer Satisfaction: Reefs4Less.com strives for customer satisfaction, offering reliable shipping, responsive customer service, and a hassle-free return policy.

Popular Questions and Answers:

1. Can the Blue Linckia Starfish regenerate lost limbs?

Yes, the Blue Linckia Starfish has the ability to regenerate lost limbs. However, the process can be slow and stressful for the starfish, so it’s important to provide optimal conditions and minimize the risk of injury.

2. Can the Blue Linckia Starfish be kept in a fish-only tank?

While the Blue Linckia Starfish can be kept in a fish-only tank, it thrives best in a well-established reef aquarium with ample hiding spots and a varied diet. The presence of live rock and corals can provide a more natural and enriching environment for the starfish.

3. How often should the Blue Linckia Starfish be fed?

The Blue Linckia Starfish should be fed 2-3 times a week. It’s important to offer a varied diet and observe the starfish’s feeding behavior to ensure it is receiving enough food.

4. Can the Blue Linckia Starfish be kept with other starfish species?

It is generally not recommended to keep multiple Blue Linckia Starfish or different starfish species together in the same aquarium. They may compete for resources and territory, which can lead to aggression or stress.

5. How should the Blue Linckia Starfish be acclimated to a new aquarium?

When introducing the Blue Linckia Starfish to a new aquarium, it’s important to acclimate it slowly to the water parameters. The drip acclimation method is commonly used, gradually adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag over a period of time before releasing the starfish into the tank.