Red Linckia Starfish

The Red Linckia Starfish (Linckia multifora) is a striking red‑orange sea star prized for its color and graceful movement, but it is also one of the more sensitive invertebrates in the aquarium trade.** It demands a mature, stable reef system and careful acclimation to thrive. Below is a complete, citation‑grounded overview tailored for Seahorse Aquarium’s species‑card style. ⭐ Identity & Appearance Scientific name: Linckia multifora Common names: Red Linckia, Red Star, Comet Sea Star Family: Ophidiasteridae Size: Typically 4–8 inches across Coloration: Deep red, orange, burnt sienna, or mottled red‑brown; surface is rough and granular Body structure: Small central disk with five long, slim cylindrical arms that taper toward the tips 🌍 Natural Habitat Range: Indo‑Pacific, including Indonesia, Philippines, Hawaii, Red Sea, and tropical western Indian Ocean regions Environment: Lagoons, outer reefs, shallow sunny reef fringes; found on coral substrates and rubble zones Depth: Up to ~700 ft (213 m), though commonly shallow in the aquarium trade 🧠 Behavior & Ecology Temperament: Peaceful; reef‑safe. Feeding strategy: Omnivorous grazer—biofilm, detritus, microalgae; occasional benefit from algae pellets Regeneration: Exhibits frequent autotomy—arms detach and regrow; detached arms (“comets”) can form new individuals Longevity: 5–10 years in captivity when kept in stable conditions 🏡 Aquarium Care Minimum tank size: 75 gallons minimum, mature (12+ months) reef tank only Some sources recommend 100 gallons for long‑term stability Water parameters: Temp: 74–82°F Salinity: 1.024–1.026 (sensitive to salinity swings) pH: 8.0–8.4 Nitrate: <25 ppm; phosphate <0.05 ppm for reef stability Flow: Moderate, indirect flow preferred; avoids strong jets Lighting: Not photosynthetic; thrives in tanks with natural biofilm growth. Diet: Biofilm and detritus; supplemental tiny meaty foods may be accepted when placed near arms (inference based on omnivore grazer behavior). Acclimation: Extremely sensitive—requires 4+ hour drip acclimation Never expose to air during transfer ⚠️ Challenges & Notes High shipping sensitivity: Mortality strongly linked to poor acclimation at wholesale/retail stages Parasites: Can be affected by burrowing bivalves and parasitic snails (Thyca crystallina) Tank maturity: Must have abundant natural microfauna and biofilm; sterile or new tanks lead to starvation. Stability: Highly vulnerable to sudden salinity changes and temperature swings 📌 Quick Summary: Size: 4–8" Temperament: Peaceful Reef-safe: Yes Diet: Biofilm, detritus, microalgae Care level: Advanced (sensitive to acclimation & stability) Origin: Indo‑Pacific Key needs: Mature tank (12+ months), stable parameters, slow drip acclimation, no air exposure