Blue Star Fish - XL

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Linckia laevigata
• Common Name: Blue Starfish (also known as Blue Sea Star or Blue Linckia)
• Adult Size: 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) across arm span
• Life Expectancy: Up to 10 years or more with proper care
  (Lifespan may be significantly shorter if acclimation is poor)
• Habitat:
  • Native to the Indo-Pacific region
  • Found on coral reefs, sandy seabeds, and rubble zones

  • Typically active during the day and night, slowly moving across surfaces

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
  (Due to size, roaming needs, and sensitivity to water quality)
• Ideal Temperature: 72–78°F (22–25.5°C)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Water Hardness (dKH): 8–12
• Temperament:
  • Peaceful and non-aggressive
  • Reef-safe
  • Can be sensitive to sudden changes in salinity or temperature

  • Avoid housing with predatory fish or invertebrates (e.g., puffers, triggerfish)

Diet & Nutrition

• Scavenger and detritivore
• Feeds on:
  • Algae
  • Detritus
  • Biofilm
  • Uneaten food particles
• Supplement diet if natural food is scarce with:
  • Seaweed sheets (nori)
  • Gel foods for invertebrates

• Requires established, mature tanks with ample live rock for grazing

Breeding & Spawning

• Sexual reproduction: involves external spawning (male and female release gametes into the water)
• Asexual reproduction: can regenerate from arms if part of central disc is included

• Breeding in home aquariums is rare and challenging

Appearance

• Bright blue body with subtle purple or turquoise hues
• Five thick, cylindrical arms (can occasionally have 4 or 6)
• Arms are smooth and slightly raised with soft, velvety texture

• Underside has tube feet used for slow movement and feeding

Distinctive Features

• Iconic blue color, rare among invertebrates
• Non-aggressive and beneficial member of reef ecosystems
• Excellent for adding natural variety and movement to large saltwater tanks
• Highly sensitive to oxygen levels, salinity, and copper — needs stable, pristine water conditions

• Should be slow-drip acclimated when introduced to a new tank