 |
Invertebrates |  |
Phylum: Echinodermata, Class: Asteroidea
Range: Indo-Pacific
Size: 4 in. Space:: 100+ gal. Diet: Bacterial film, sponges, dead mollusks
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful
Natural History: Linckia Starfish are echinoderms that have tube feet for crawling and preying on sessile animals. This starfish is observed on rock and rubble of reefs. Spotted Linckia is much smaller than the other Linckia species. Starfish possess amazing regenerative ability and are often able to grow new individuals by fragmentation of an existing Linckia.
Husbandry: Spotted Linckia is very hardy and reproduces asexually by fragmenting arms which grow into new starfish. The original starfish also regenerates its missing arms. It should be acclimated slowly, over a period of 4 hours or more. The parasitic snail Thyca crystallina will kill Linckia and should be removed it is found in the ambulacral groove (underside) of the starfish. Live rock, sand, and meaty offerings will benefit this sea star.