Blue Linckia Sea Star
Linckia laevigata
Saltwater Invertebrate
Species Group: Starfish
Family: Ophiotrichidae
Log in or create an account to add this species to your tanks.
No image yet
Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Blue Linckia Sea Star
General information
The Blue Linckia Sea Star is certain to be the shining star for the dedicated reef aquarium enthusiast. The unusual blue color of this sea star is truly remarkable and this standout color makes the Blue Linckia Sea Star a beautiful focal point. Its bright blue body may sometimes be embellished with red or purplish spots. In the wild, the Blue Linckia Sea Star is found in the sunny areas of the reef and reef fringe, constantly foraging for food. In the home aquarium setting, the Blue Linckia Sea Star prefers a well-lit sandy or coral rubble substrate, with many rocky hiding places. As a juvenile (when it has a blue-green coloration), the Blue Linckia Sea Star spends most of the day hiding in small caves or overhangs. As a larger adult, it can be seen anchored to the rocks or glass, waving one or two arms in the water, searching for small, free-floating microbes. The Blue Linckia Sea Star is generally solitary, but it will tolerate other starfish and amiable fish in the aquarium. The Blue Linckia Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerance to changes in water chemistry. The Blue Linckia Sea Star should never be exposed to air while handling and should be carefully monitored for the presence of a small parasitic snail, Thyca crystallina. 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. In the home aquarium, this is far less likely.
All photos
No photos yet.