
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Linckia laevigata
An Indo-Pacific sea star known for its vivid solid-blue body. Extremely intolerant of sudden changes in salinity, pH and oxygen, it needs long drip acclimation and a mature tank with established films to graze; for experienced keepers.
The blue Linckia (Linckia laevigata) is an ophidiasterid sea star widely distributed across the tropical Indo-Pacific. It occurs on rock, dead coral and rubble on shallow reefs from 0 to 60 m, and also among sponges and seagrass. It reaches 30-40 cm in diameter; the vivid solid-blue body is sometimes marked with red or purple spots. It regenerates arms readily and is thought to reproduce asexually from autotomized arms. A detritivore, it grazes organic and bacterial films on hard surfaces and sponges. In the aquarium, long drip acclimation is essential: it is extremely intolerant of sudden changes in salinity, pH and oxygen, of exposure to air, and of copper-based medications. Keep 22-26 C, pH 8.1-8.4 and specific gravity 1.023-1.025 stable in a mature tank with a well-lit sand or rubble bottom, rocky hiding places and well-developed films to graze. In captivity lost parts regenerate poorly, success is inconsistent, and it has not been bred. It is also the sea star used to feed harlequin shrimp and cannot be kept with them.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Blue Linckia Starfish lives 3-6 years.
The Blue Linckia Starfish grows to Up to 30-40cm in diameter.
The ideal temperature for the Blue Linckia Starfish is 22〜26℃.
Origin
Tropical coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific (0-60 m)
Sources: LiveAquaria / SeaLifeBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Linckia laevigata (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authority databases: WoRMS
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
3-6 years
Size
Up to 30-40cm in diameter
Temperature
22〜26℃
Detritus, organic films and microbes on rock, sponges and algae; supplemented with bits of clam meat or tablets
Extremely intolerant of sudden changes in salinity, pH and oxygen, and of exposure to air. Drip-acclimate over a long period and never use copper-based medications. Check for the parasitic snail Thyca crystallina.
Requires a mature tank with established films on rock to graze. Provide a well-lit sand or rubble bottom and rocky hiding places.
Hold 22-26 C, pH 8.1-8.4 and specific gravity 1.023-1.025 without fluctuation. Do not shift salinity abruptly even during water changes.
Grazes organic films and microbes on rock continuously. Supplement by placing bits of clam meat or tablets under the animal.
Peaceful and reef safe. Cannot be kept with harlequin shrimp, which prey on sea stars.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Blue Linckia Starfish is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Blue Linckia Starfish is 3-6 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Blue Linckia Starfish typically reaches Up to 30-40cm in diameter as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Blue Linckia Starfish feeds on: Detritus, organic films and microbes on rock, sponges and algae; supplemented with bits of clam meat or tablets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Blue Linckia Starfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026