Adding Them to Immature Aquariums

Blue Linckia Starfish depend heavily on naturally occurring biofilm and microorganisms that are only found in established reef systems.

Acclimating Too Quickly

These starfish are highly sensitive to salinity and water chemistry changes. Slow drip acclimation is essential to minimise stress and improve survival rates.

Assuming They Eat Leftover Fish Food

Most Blue Linckias do not readily accept prepared foods and instead rely on natural grazing opportunities found throughout mature reef aquariums.

Why do Blue Linckia Starfish often struggle in new reef aquariums?

Blue Linckia Starfish feed on microscopic organisms, bacterial films, and biofilm that develop over time on mature live rock. New aquariums simply do not provide enough natural food to support them long term.

How long should a reef tank be established before adding a Blue Linckia Starfish?

Most experienced reef keepers recommend waiting at least 12 months before introducing a Blue Linckia Starfish. This allows sufficient biofilm, microfauna, and biological stability to develop.

Can Blue Linckia Starfish be target fed in captivity?

While some hobbyists report occasional success offering small pieces of seafood, most Blue Linckias survive primarily by grazing naturally occurring biofilm and microorganisms throughout the aquarium.

Why is my Blue Linckia Starfish losing an arm?

Arm loss can be caused by stress, poor acclimation, unstable water parameters, starvation, or physical injury. In stable conditions, healthy starfish may regenerate lost limbs over time.

Is the Blue Linckia Starfish reef safe with corals?

Yes. Blue Linckia Starfish are considered completely reef safe and do not typically harm SPS, LPS, soft corals, anemones, or other reef inhabitants.

What water parameters are most important for Blue Linckia Starfish?

Stable salinity, temperature, alkalinity, calcium, and pH are critical. Sudden parameter swings are one of the leading causes of decline in Blue Linckia Starfish.

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Aquamarine Aquaristic

Purple Linckia Starfish (Linckia laevigata)

Name: Purple Linckia Starfish (Linckia laevigata)
Brand: Aquamarine Aquaristic
SKU: 49019567800566
Price: 20.0 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock

$20.00 each

Out of stock

⚠️ Live invertebrates vary. Animals may vary in pattern and colouration from images shown. Please contact us if you need to confirm size and colouration. Purple Linckia Starfish (Linckia laevigata)...

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Description

⚠️ Live invertebrates vary. Animals may vary in pattern and colouration from images shown. Please contact us if you need to confirm size and colouration.

Purple Linckia Starfish (Linckia laevigata) — Stunning Reef Invertebrate

The Blue Linka Starfish is one of the most visually striking invertebrates available for reef aquariums — a vivid, electric blue body that stands out beautifully against live rock and coral. A popular and iconic reef invertebrate, the Blue Linckia is best suited to large, well-established reef systems.

Care Requirements

Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced — requires very stable, pristine water parameters
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Detritivore — microorganisms, biofilm, and organic matter on live rock
Water Temperature: 24–27°C | Salinity: 1.023–1.025
Note: Extremely sensitive to sudden changes in salinity, temperature, and oxygen levels — acclimate very slowly (1+ hour drip acclimation recommended)

Tank Compatibility

Reef-safe and peaceful. Avoid housing with known starfish predators such as large wrasses, triggerfish, and pufferfish. Requires a large, mature reef with abundant live rock for foraging.

Special Care Note

Blue Linckia Starfish are sensitive invertebrates that require pristine, stable water conditions. Not recommended for new or unstable reef systems. Slow, careful acclimation is essential for long-term success.

Available from Aquamarine Aquaristic, Australia.

Shipping To Tasmania	YES
Shipping To Western Australia	No

Husbandry

Care guide

Care difficulty

BeginnerModerateExpert

Expert

Temperament

SkittishPeacefulSemi-agg.Aggressive

Peaceful

Maximum size 30cm

0 cm 50 cm 100 cm

Minimum tank size

300 litres

Reef safe

Yes

Diet

Blue Linckia Starfish primarily feed on: Biofilm Microorganisms, Bacterial films, Organic matter on live rock, Natural reef detritus

Avoid these pitfalls

Common mistakes to avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls when caring for marine livestock.

Blue Linckia Starfish depend heavily on naturally occurring biofilm and microorganisms that are only found in established reef systems.
These starfish are highly sensitive to salinity and water chemistry changes. Slow drip acclimation is essential to minimise stress and improve survival rates.
Most Blue Linckias do not readily accept prepared foods and instead rely on natural grazing opportunities found throughout mature reef aquariums.

Help centre

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about our products and shipping.

Blue Linckia Starfish feed on microscopic organisms, bacterial films, and biofilm that develop over time on mature live rock. New aquariums simply do not provide enough natural food to support them long term.
Most experienced reef keepers recommend waiting at least 12 months before introducing a Blue Linckia Starfish. This allows sufficient biofilm, microfauna, and biological stability to develop.
While some hobbyists report occasional success offering small pieces of seafood, most Blue Linckias survive primarily by grazing naturally occurring biofilm and microorganisms throughout the aquarium.
Arm loss can be caused by stress, poor acclimation, unstable water parameters, starvation, or physical injury. In stable conditions, healthy starfish may regenerate lost limbs over time.
Yes. Blue Linckia Starfish are considered completely reef safe and do not typically harm SPS, LPS, soft corals, anemones, or other reef inhabitants.
Stable salinity, temperature, alkalinity, calcium, and pH are critical. Sudden parameter swings are one of the leading causes of decline in Blue Linckia Starfish.