Not furry either, still lovely.
Blue Linckia Starfish
Linckia laevigata
Also called Blue linckia, Blue star, Blue sea star
From Shallow tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, on coral reefs and seagrass beds over sand or hard bottoms.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Maximum diameter: 30 cm (Wikipedia) to 14 inches (Saltwaterfish.com).
Looks how to spot one
Firm five-armed star
A firm sea star with five long, slightly tube-shaped arms that end in rounded tips, and short yellowish tube feet underneath. Some have lighter or darker spots on the arms.1
Personality what they are like
A slow, gentle grazer that glides over rock and sand and leaves fish and corals alone.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moves slowly, around 8 cm per minute, while grazing.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Handle without lifting it into open air, and keep it away from crabs, certain hermit crabs and parasitic snails. Rated moderate in care level.2
Home where they are happiest
An established marine tank of at least 25 gallons (about 95 litres) with plenty of mature live rock to graze.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A grazer that feeds on the film of algae, sponges and tiny organisms covering rocks and sand.12
Company who they like around
Peaceful and reef compatible; keep away from crabs and other animals that might pick at it.2
The story where it all began
Linnaeus described the blue linckia in 1758. Its bright blue colour has made it one of the best-known sea stars of Indo-Pacific reefs and a classic of the marine aquarium hobby.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)
- Described by Linnaeus in 1758 (family Ophidiasteridae).1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Blue Linckia Starfish. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingDepends on species, many feed from the light and the watervaries
- Salinity checkevery week
- Water testevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Light checkevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Blue Linckia Starfish?
Your Blue Linckia Starfish is a constant grazer, so it feeds continuously from the film on rocks and sand. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding depends on the species, but you can support its natural grazing by ensuring a mature tank with plenty of live rock. No extra feeding is usually needed if the tank is well established.12 Furry Diary plan
What does a Blue Linckia Starfish eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats the film of algae, sponges, and tiny organisms covering rocks and sand. Never feed it anything that could harm it, and avoid keeping it with crabs or parasitic snails that might pick at it.12
How much space does a Blue Linckia Starfish need?
It needs an established marine tank of at least 25 gallons (about 95 litres) with plenty of mature live rock to graze on. More space is better to ensure a steady food supply.2
What temperature, light or water does a Blue Linckia Starfish need?
It requires a stable marine aquarium with proper salinity and water quality. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly salinity checks, weekly water tests, daily top-ups with fresh RO water, and a 10-20% water change every two weeks. Light needs vary, so check monthly and consult a vet or experienced keeper for specifics. Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Blue Linckia Starfish's home?
Follow Furry Diary's plan: top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water, test water weekly, and change 10-20% of the water every two weeks. This keeps the tank clean and stable for your starfish. Furry Diary plan
Can a Blue Linckia Starfish live with others?
Yes, it is peaceful and reef compatible, leaving fish and corals alone. However, keep it away from crabs, certain hermit crabs, and parasitic snails that might pick at it.2
How long does a Blue Linckia Starfish live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and tank conditions. For specific information, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Blue Linckia Starfish?
Handle it very carefully and never lift it into open air, as this can harm it. It is best to avoid handling and let it glide naturally on the rock and sand.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Linckia laevigata (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for names, range, size, colours, body, behaviour, diet, regeneration, taxonomy, history
- Blue Linckia Starfish (Saltwaterfish.com) saltwaterfish.comused for size, care level, tank size, diet, compatibility, handling
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.