Not furry either, still lovely.

Blue Linckia Starfish

Linckia laevigata

Also called Blue linckia, Blue star, Blue sea star

SpeciesShort profile

From Shallow tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, on coral reefs and seagrass beds over sand or hard bottoms.1

At a glance the quick version

Length30 to 36 cm1 2

Sizelarge

Maximum diameter: 30 cm (Wikipedia) to 14 inches (Saltwaterfish.com).

Vivid blue colour

Peaceful and reef safe

Can regrow from parts of its body

2 1

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

ColoursPure blueDark blueLight blueAquaPurpleOrange1

Personality what they are like

A slow, gentle grazer that glides over rock and sand and leaves fish and corals alone.1 2

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.1 2

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

1
Besides blue, it can be aqua, purple or orange.1
2
It has a strong ability to regrow and can shed an arm to escape danger.1
3
Measured travel speed averages about 8.1 cm per minute.1
4
It can regenerate from its central disc.2

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy (via Wikipedia): Described by Linnaeus in 1758 (family Ophidiasteridae).1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Blue Linckia Starfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

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.1 2 Pet Wiki 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.1 2

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. Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Chocolate Chip Starfish

Sand Sifting Starfish

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

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

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.