 |
Invertebrates |  |
Phylum: Echinodermata, Class: Asteroidea
Range: Indo-Pacific, Caribbean
Size: 8 in. Space:: 100+ gal. Diet: Algae/Bacterial films, sponges, dead mollusks, debris
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful
Natural History: Linckia Starfish are echinoderms that have tube feet for crawling and preying on sessile animals. They have an internal water vascular hydraulic system for controlling their tube feet. 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: The Linckia starfish are sensitive to water quality changes and ship poorly if conditions are not held constant. 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.