Blue Linckia Sea Star (Linckia laevigata) Care Guide
Linckia laevigata is a bright blue Indo-Pacific sea star, sensitive in captivity and requiring a large mature reef tank and slow acclimation.
Overview
Linckia laevigata is a sea star of the family Ophidiasteridae, well known for its vivid blue colour, though morphs range from pure blue to dark or light blue with occasional aqua, purple, or orange tones. It is one of the more demanding invertebrates in the marine hobby, requiring stable conditions, a large mature reef tank, and a rich supply of film algae and detritus.
Taxonomy
- Class: Asteroidea
- Order: Valvatida
- Family: Ophidiasteridae
- Genus: Linckia
- Scientific name: Linckia laevigata
- Authority: (Linnaeus, 1758)
Habitat
The species inhabits shallow waters of the tropical Indo-Pacific, living on coral reefs and seagrass beds over sandy or hard substrates. It moves slowly, with a recorded mean locomotion rate of about 8.1 cm per minute. Arms are rounded at the tips and the tube feet are yellowish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- dKH: 8-11
- Size: 15-30 cm in diameter
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Acclimation: slow drip acclimation is essential
Diet
Linckia laevigata is generally a detritivore. It grazes throughout the tank for organic films and low-growing sedentary organisms such as sponges and algae, and aquarium specimens have been observed consuming Asterina sea stars. Because it depends on continuous grazing of biofilm, only a large, mature system with ample live rock can sustain it.
Compatibility
Peaceful and reef-safe with fish. It is parasitized by the snail Thyca crystallina and preyed upon by pufferfish, triton shells, harlequin shrimp, and anemones, so these should be avoided as tankmates.
Reproduction
The species has strong regenerative capacity and defensive autotomy. It has not yet been bred in captivity.