In the Blue Linckia Club

[livinlifeinBKK]

Great pic!

Yeah, they’re thought to feed on biofilm in the wild, but they’ve been documented as eating sponges and “Asterina” (technically Aquilonastra) stars by a few different folks now (more evidence is always appreciated), with some speculating that their Aquilonastra populations allow their Linckias to survive for multiple years.

I think I"ll be able to find something to help him maintain his weight...I'll start the search in the fresh seafood isle! Curious if he will be attracted to Mastick...

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

btw, there's an ad below that's advertising red linckias for sale and they don't even know the scientific name. They claim they're MUCH easier than blue linckias though...just not sure about that scientific name...they know every other detail though! I'm so sure...

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

I believe that it's generally accepted that a majority of true starfish will consume a diet consisting of foods from more than just one category. By that I mean most have a primary natural diet but they will eat from other food sources at times even in the wild. For example Chocolate Chip Stars (forgot the scientific name partially) are primarily herbivorous in their natural habitat but will absolutely consume corals in an aquarium where food is too limited. There are definitely some strict specialists, however, but to my knowledge Linckia laevigata is not one of them. Basket stars are probably very selective in their diet (certain species but not all). Yeah, they aren't true starfish but I think you guys get the point haha.

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

Can I see a pic?? Not many red ones I've seen!

Hi. Sure. Just hangin around.

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

She’s been cruising the system since July. Not too long, but seems ok.

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

She’s been cruising the system since July. Not too long, but seems ok.

I hope she lives a long life...the only thing is when they first don't look perfectly ok, it's almost impossible to save them and youll probably never know what caused the decline

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

I hope she lives a long life...the only thing is when they first don't look perfectly ok, it's almost impossible to save them and youll probably never know what caused the decline

Yes. This system is 3.5 years old w I think lots of bio diversity so I had k success in past. This was a patient purchase from a friend. Many years in industry and hobby. Not saying that’s a guarantee but gives the animal and keeper best chance for that happy life.

 

[Reefkeepers Archive]

Ok. Linckia laevigata should be very rarely imported. I'd go so far as to say at this point in time they should be difficult to find and I'd even support having to request for a shop to order one. So why am I keeping one? No, I'm not being a hypocrite, just think it's pretty, or believe I have the "special" 1 in a million tank that they don't die when 98% or more die (few make it that long). This is for research purposes only. The aim is to observe the behavior very closely and take notes every day to compare to the behavior of Fromia indica starfish. You can learn a great deal from paying close attention to behavior characteristics and how they differ as long as you ask yourself why that may be and try to figure out why their behavior should vary greatly for example if their food source is the same? That's just one example of many. Yes, I will weigh him today to assess health and continue to weigh him periodically while attempting to offer a variety of foods. Perhaps he will eat, perhaps not. Maybe he will eat but obtain insufficient nutrients. That's not a successful feeding regimen then.
This is research to try to learn as much as possible and perhaps the information gathered will lead to insight and help develop a way to maintain them. Don't go buy one with the expectation you'll be an outlier or because of anything you heard that has no scientific support (having a big tank comes to mind). So many wives tales are passed around about this species it would be better to assume none of it is true and google anything supported by real research. Uncle Joe at the fish shop probably knows very little about some of what he sells tbh.

Good luck! Keep me updated!

 

[Harpo]

I hope to get one once my tank is established

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

I hope to get one once my tank is established

I don't think that's a good idea...it's not simply about stability or maturity, or size...if you really want one, you should start doing a TON of research now to prepare if you have a good 6 months before you'll get it. Still not a good idea though.

 

[Harpo]

The internet claims that orange are easier to keep than blue. Any truth to that?

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

The internet claims that orange are easier to keep than blue. Any truth to that?

I don't think they're a different species but a subspecies. You didn't read that ridiculous ad did you? It's right below here and they make ridiculous claims with no sources.

 

[JonoH]

I bought one on a whim about 8 months ago now, and has been fine so far. Didnt realise they were hard to keep until now, so will keep an eye on it.
Moves around the tank heaps, even wraps itself on the returns like a snake sometimes!

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

I bought one on a whim about 8 months ago now, and has been fine so far. Didnt realise they were hard to keep until now, so will keep an eye on it.
Moves around the tank heaps, even wraps itself on the returns like a snake sometimes!

Are you sure it's a Linckia? Do you have. a picture? That sounds very uncharacteristic to move very quickly.

 

[JonoH]

Are you sure it's a Linckia? Do you have. a picture? That sounds very uncharacteristic to move very quickly.

Def a Linckia - have some pics on my phone from the whole tank, can do a closer one later though.

My kids nicknamed it 'Godzilla', gets itself into all sorts of weird shapes sometimes!

 

[JonoH]

Here is one from tonight.
This seems to be one of its faveroute shapes, it tucks the 4 arms up tight together, then leaves the one hanging in a somewhat amusing shape!

It also collects bubbles around it, which may be a way they catch food perhaps? Sometimes the other snails will come up the glass around it also.

 

[Stomatopods17]

Never owned linckia but following for education!

I often fall into the trap of buying those 'impossible 1 in a million' animals not because i'm feeling lucky but mainly I feel like the most qualified person that at least knows what they're getting into to try at rescuing that animal or at least go the lengths to do whats necessary once it is in my responsibility. Fromia I've done that for, linckia I've never even felt that confident I could keep alive better.

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Never owned linckia but following for education!

I often fall into the trap of buying those 'impossible 1 in a million' animals not because i'm feeling lucky but mainly I feel like the most qualified person that at least knows what they're getting into to try at rescuing that animal or at least go the lengths to do whats necessary once it is in my responsibility. Fromia I've done that for, linckia I've never even felt that confident I could keep alive better.

How long did you maintain the Fromia?

 

[Stomatopods17]

How long did you maintain the Fromia?

Not long enough to pretend it was successful

I'd try it again in my 125g since its been about 7 years, but the first time I tried fromia I wasn't able to long term keep it, I forget how long but at most 3 months.

Fromia milleporella to be specific.

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Not long enough to pretend it was successful

I'd try it again in my 125g since its been about 7 years, but the first time I tried fromia I wasn't able to long term keep it, I forget how long but at most 3 months.

Fromia milleporella to be specific.

I've successfully kept and offered alternative food to Fromia indica