Blue Linckia Sea Star

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Expert   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 12"
• Diet: Omnivore   • Aquarium Level: Substrate & Rocks   • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
 • Reef Compatible: Yes   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Supplements: None   • Coloration: Blue
• Origin: Indo-Pacific • Family: Ophidiasteridae   • Species: Starfish

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The Blue Linckia Sea Star, Blue Sea Star, or Blue Starfish is typically found in reefs and reef fringe areas, constantly foraging for food on live rock and sand. Blue Linckia Sea Stars grow rather large reaching 16 inches in size, making them suitable for only very large aquariums. This species can be difficult to feed as they generally will only consume algae and microorganisms that they find while foraging on live rock.

Expert reef aquarists with very large aquariums, excellent water conditions and a lot of live are most likely to have success keeping this species. This species does have brilliant coloration that ranges from almost violet to a bright blue color sometimes with red or purple spots. This species is a good candidate for larger expert reef aquarists as they will not harm other invert, coral or fish species and have a peaceful disposition.

In an aquarium setting it is important to have excellent lighting and large amounts of live rock to provide enough algae and microorganisms to provide enough food to sustain this species. Excellent water conditions, live rock and live sand coupled high oxygen levels and stable pH are necessary to attempt to keep this species in the home aquarium. Rock formations should be built very solidly as this species will spend a lot of time moving about the rock and with its large size it could dislodge unsecured rock pieces.

In the wild, the Blue Linckia Sea Star is capable of regenerating a new starfish from almost any portion of its body that might break off; however, in the home aquarium, this is far less likely. It is important to acclimate the Blue Linckia Sea Star very slowly to a new aquarium over the course of many hours. This species is far more sensitive to water chemistry changes than most any other species found in the marine aquarium hobby.

Blue Linckia Sea Stars forage the substrate and live rock for film algae 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.