{"product_id":"blue-linkia-starfish","title":"Blue Linkia Starfish","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eBiosecurity Shipping Limitations apply\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eShipping Allowed?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 79.3752px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eTasmania\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00ff80;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6bb71f;\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eWestern Australia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00ff2a;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6bb71f;\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eNorthern Territory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003eNO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003eAll Other States\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6bb71f;\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Linckia Starfish (Linckia laevigata) is a spectacular marine invertebrate recognised for its vivid electric-blue colouration and distinctive five-arm shape. One of the most striking starfish available to marine aquarists, it makes an impressive addition to mature reef aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the tropical Indo-Pacific, including Australian waters and the Great Barrier Reef, Blue Linckia Starfish inhabit shallow coral reefs, reef slopes and rocky reef environments. They are commonly found moving slowly across live rock, coral rubble and other hard surfaces while grazing on naturally occurring organic material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue Linckia Starfish typically have five long, cylindrical arms with rounded tips and a small central disc. Although bright blue is the best-known colour, other colour variations, including greenish-blue, orange and yellow, are also recorded in this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults can grow considerably larger than many aquarium starfish, reaching approximately 30cm across, making adequate aquarium space an important consideration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBehaviour and Temperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue Linckia Starfish are peaceful, slow-moving invertebrates that spend much of their time crawling across live rock and aquarium surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are generally harmless towards fish, corals and other reef inhabitants and do not actively hunt healthy aquarium livestock. Their natural feeding behaviour involves grazing on biofilm, microorganisms, organic debris and other naturally occurring material found on reef surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many other aquarium invertebrates, Blue Linckia Starfish are particularly sensitive to changes in water chemistry. Sudden fluctuations in salinity, temperature or pH can cause severe stress and potentially fatal tissue deterioration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is therefore best suited to experienced marine aquarists with mature, stable reef systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large, well-established marine aquarium with extensive live rock is essential for long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue Linckia Starfish rely heavily on naturally occurring biofilm and microorganisms growing across mature reef surfaces. Newly established aquariums often lack sufficient natural food to sustain them, making starvation one of the major challenges associated with keeping this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum aquarium size of approximately 400–500 litres is recommended, with larger systems providing more grazing area and greater environmental stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain consistent salinity, temperature, pH and alkalinity. Avoid sudden changes during water changes or routine maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen introducing a Blue Linckia Starfish, careful acclimation is extremely important. Drip acclimation over several hours is generally recommended, with particular attention to matching salinity and temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportant: Never expose Blue Linckia Starfish to copper-based medications. Copper is highly toxic to echinoderms and other marine invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding and Nutrition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue Linckia Starfish are specialised grazers that feed primarily on biofilm, bacterial films, microorganisms and organic material found on live rock and other hard surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many aquarium starfish, they can be difficult to feed directly and may not readily accept conventional prepared or frozen foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir long-term survival depends heavily on having sufficient natural grazing material available throughout the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended considerations include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtensive mature live rock with established biofilm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNaturally developing algae and microbial films.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mature aquarium with established biological diversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining good water quality without eliminating all natural grazing surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome specimens may investigate algae-based foods or other supplementary offerings, but acceptance should never be assumed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportant: Do not purchase this species expecting it to survive on occasional target feeding alone. A mature aquarium with abundant natural grazing surfaces is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility and Reef Suitability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue Linckia Starfish are generally considered reef safe and can coexist with most peaceful marine fish, corals and ornamental invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are not coral predators and will normally move across coral rockwork without causing damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, certain aquarium inhabitants pose a significant risk. Harlequin Shrimp are specialist starfish predators, while pufferfish and some triggerfish may attack or consume starfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClownfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTangs and surgeonfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnthias.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardinalfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful reef-safe wrasses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef-safe ornamental shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost established corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping them with Harlequin Shrimp, predatory starfish-eating fish and aggressive crustaceans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir delicate nature and specialised feeding requirements make careful stocking decisions particularly important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare requirement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDetails\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLinckia laevigata\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue Linckia Starfish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndo-Pacific, including Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDifficult\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUp to approximately 30cm across; larger specimens recorded\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinimum Aquarium Size\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e400–500 litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24–26°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSalinity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.024–1.026 SG\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlkalinity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBiofilm, microorganisms and organic detritus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperament\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwimming Level\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottom Dweller \/ Rockwork\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAquarium Type\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarine \/ Reef Aquarium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSocial Behaviour\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenerally solitary\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive rock and established reef surfaces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCopper Sensitivity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtremely sensitive\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Are Blue Linckia Starfish reef safe?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Blue Linckia Starfish are generally reef safe and will not normally damage healthy corals or bother fish. They graze on naturally occurring biofilm and organic material across reef surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. What do Blue Linckia Starfish eat?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey primarily feed on biofilm, microorganisms, bacterial films and organic material growing on live rock. They can be difficult to feed directly, making a mature aquarium with abundant natural grazing surfaces essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. How big do Blue Linckia Starfish grow?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey can reach approximately 30cm across, although larger specimens have been recorded. Their eventual size should be considered when selecting an aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. Can Blue Linckia Starfish survive in a new aquarium?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are not recommended for newly established aquariums. They depend on mature live rock and established microbial growth for nutrition. Introducing them into immature systems significantly increases the risk of starvation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5. Are Blue Linckia Starfish difficult to keep?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are considered a difficult marine invertebrate because of their specialised feeding requirements and sensitivity to changes in salinity, temperature and water chemistry. They are best suited to experienced reef keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6. Can Blue Linckia Starfish regrow lost arms?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Like many starfish, Linckia laevigata has regenerative abilities and can regrow damaged or lost arms under suitable conditions. However, regeneration takes time and should not be considered a reason to deliberately damage or handle the animal roughly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Adding them to immature aquariums: Young aquariums often lack sufficient biofilm and natural food. Always introduce Blue Linckia Starfish into mature, well-established reef systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. Assuming they will eat prepared foods: They are specialised grazers and may not accept pellets, flakes or frozen foods. Their primary nutritional requirements must be met through natural grazing surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. Rapid acclimation: Sudden salinity changes can cause severe osmotic stress. Use a carefully controlled, slow drip acclimation process and avoid exposing the animal to air unnecessarily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. Allowing salinity fluctuations: Blue Linckia Starfish are particularly sensitive to changes in specific gravity. Maintain stable salinity and avoid sudden adjustments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5. Keeping them with natural predators: Harlequin Shrimp, certain pufferfish and triggerfish can attack or consume starfish. Check compatibility before introducing them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6. Using copper-based medications: Copper is highly toxic to starfish. Never expose Blue Linckia Starfish to copper treatments, and ensure any medication used in the aquarium is safe for echinoderms.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51070404657291,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/blue-linkia-starfishapex-aquatic-1282325.jpg?v=1793948658","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/blue-linkia-starfish","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}