Blue Starfish
(Linckia laevigata)

Descrição

The user wants a product description for the Blue Starfish (*Linckia laevigata*). I have gathered the necessary information from the search results.

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* **Scientific Name:** *Linckia laevigata*
* **Common Name:** Blue Starfish, Blue Linckia, Blue Sea Star
* **Appearance:** Vibrant blue, sometimes with spots of red or purple. Five cylindrical arms with rounded tips and short yellowish tube feet.
* **Maximum Size:** Up to 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter. Some sources mention up to 40 cm, but 30cm seems more common. I will go with 30cm.
* **Origin:** Tropical Indo-Pacific, including Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. Often found in Fiji.
* **Care Level:** Advanced, Expert, Challenging. Requires very stable, mature tanks.
* **Temperament:** Peaceful, solitary. Tolerates other docile starfish. Avoid aggressive, invertebrate-eating fish.
* **Compatibility:** Reef compatible.
* **Minimum Tank Size:** 340-379 litres (90-100 US gallons) is often cited as a minimum for established tanks, with 600L (158 gal) also mentioned. The larger the better for sufficient food. I’ll aim for 340L (90 gallons) as a conservative minimum, emphasizing ‘well-established’ and ‘ample live rock’.
* **Water Parameters:**
* pH: 8.1-8.4
* Temperature: 22-26°C (72-78°F)
* Salinity/SG: 1.023-1.025
* Nitrates: Intolerant of high nitrates.
* **Diet:** Omnivore. Primarily detritivore, feeding on bacterial films, organic films, microalgae, diatoms, and small organisms found on live rock and sand. May consume *Asterina* starfish. Supplemental feeding with finely chopped seafood or algae wafers if natural food is insufficient, but natural diet is crucial. Often rejects prepared foods. Requires a very established tank (at least 6-12 months old) for sufficient food.
* **Lifespan:** In the wild, up to 10 years. In captivity, commonly 1-2 years, though some reports of 3-5+ years in very large, mature tanks. I will provide the wild range and mention shorter captive lifespan as a caution.
* **Swimming Zone:** Substrate and rocks (bottom). Moves slowly. Often found on coral reefs and seagrass beds.
* **Handling:** Never expose to air; highly sensitive to changes in parameters. Drip acclimation is crucial (2.5-4 hours recommended).

Now, I will structure this information into the required HTML format, adhering to word counts and SEO.

**SEO Keywords:**
* Primary: “buy Blue Starfish online”
* Secondary: “Blue Starfish care”, “healthy aquarium inhabitants”, “marine invertebrate”

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Vibrant Blue Starfish: A Jewel for Your Reef Aquarium

Bring the dazzling beauty of the Indo-Pacific reefs into your home with the iconic Blue Starfish. Its striking coloration adds an unparalleled visual highlight to any well-established marine setup.

Overview

The *Linckia laevigata*, commonly known as the Blue Starfish, captivates with its intense, uniform blue hue, occasionally adorned with subtle red or purple spots. This elegant echinoderm typically displays five cylindrical arms with rounded tips and moves gracefully across the substrate on its short, yellowish tube feet. A peaceful inhabitant, it spends its days diligently foraging on rockwork, contributing to a vibrant and healthy aquarium ecosystem.

Care Level

The Blue Starfish is considered an advanced care marine invertebrate, suitable for experienced aquarists. Its peaceful temperament makes it compatible with most docile fish and other invertebrates, though aggressive, starfish-eating species should be avoided. Successful long-term care hinges on a mature, stable environment and proper acclimation.

Tank Essentials

A spacious, well-established marine aquarium of at least 340 litres (90 gallons) is crucial for this species. Ample live rock and a deep sand bed are vital to provide sufficient grazing surfaces. Maintain stable water parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 22-26°C, and salinity 1.023-1.025.

Diet

As an omnivorous detritivore, the Blue Starfish primarily feeds on bacterial films, microalgae, and other microscopic organisms found on live rock and sand. Supplemental feeding of algae wafers or finely chopped marine foods may be beneficial if natural food sources are limited, though they often reject prepared foods.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Blue Starfish online from us, you choose quality and responsible sourcing. We prioritize the health of our marine invertebrates through stringent quarantine protocols and humane shipping practices, ensuring your new Blue Starfish arrives vibrant and ready to thrive in your healthy aquarium inhabitants display. Your success is our commitment.

• Scientific Name: *Linckia laevigata*
• Common Name / Variant: Blue Starfish
• Maximum Size: 30 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 22–26°C
• Lifespan: Up to 10 years (wild); 1–5 years (captivity)
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Add this captivating Blue Starfish to your collection today for an unforgettable marine display!