linkia stars

[Posidion]

I've always liked theese stars for their color and shape but my refrence materials have limmited info on diet and advanced care requirements. That being said I'm looking for more in depth info before aquireing one. Any experiences or info would be greatly appreciated.

[Posidion]

I should also note that I'm leaning towerd the linckia multifora ratherthan linckia laevigata.

[pagojoe]

I think that's a good choice, if you're going to get a Linckia. The smaller size gives you a much better chance of extending its life in an average sized reef tank.

Cheers,



Don

[kel2682]

Tagging along....

[greenbean36191]

You find very little information about their diet and care because almost nothing is known.

It's thought that they're grazers of the organic film that grows on hard surfaces (but it's never been shown for sure). Because of that, most species only tend to do well in large, established tanks. L. multifora is the exception that sometimes does well in tanks as small as 55 gal.

They also have lots of shipping issues. They're fairly sensitive to salinity changes and without careful acclimation or a good dose of luck at every step of the way in the shipping chain, most are already doomed by the time they get to the store. It's best to buy these things locally and only after the LFS has held them for about 2 weeks. By that point, most shipping damage should become apparent as sores or dissolving/mushy limbs. Only buy an animal that is firm and plump. Once you get it home, be sure to drip acclimate it slowly too.

[RicksReefs]

Once you get it home, be sure to drip acclimate it slowly too.

this is one of the most important things to do for successfully keeping these guys. I drip for about 6-7 hours when they come in.
unfortunately previous handlers (exporters, wholesalers) may have been a little more abrupt in their acclimation and they may still rot away starting at the tips.

[Posidion]

thanks for the input, from all. This has confirmed what little i had already learned. It really is too bad that so little is known about so many marine inverts perhaps id know more if I ever finish that marine bio degreee. Thanks again, I keep an eye on the lfs and hope they can aquire one in good health. Most iv seen there had ugly leasions on the tip of one or more ray(s).

[Ncastro1981]

my lfs kills a couple every week. a big issue is if it is handled with out gloves, then it will die. your skin is poison to it. Also they are hard to keep, very few can supply the required diet since people cant agree on what that is, or how to get it into a tank. Most success has come from people with old tanks getting great specimens from knowledgable sources!

[RicksReefs]

hmmmm, I must have non poisonous skin. I've handled many a star without killing them. ;)
my current blue linckia has been with me for over 3 years.

[Ncastro1981]

interesting. I did a bit of research and from what i have r4ead the oils on your skin can have an adverse effect. Clearly you didnt state weather you are human or not. so that could be it :)

[RicksReefs]

my superiors on cygnus 2 instruct me not to answer that question.

[greenbean36191]

The oils on your skin are not harmful to them, nor is exposing them to air. These are just examples of people grasping at straws trying to explain why seemingly healthy stars suddenly decline.

[Ncastro1981]

ok well i will take your word on it then cutie ;) but really i guess then what i read was false. Next time i get a chance i will let them know "dont worry blue, i wont hurt you.. isnt my skin soo nice and soft.." :)

[RicksReefs]

I'm sure Mike will be flattered that you think he's a cutie.

:lol:

[aromantis]

hahaha! "No, that's not me" LOL! :lolspin:

[Ncastro1981]

lol

[greenbean36191]

I've been working out lately. Thanks for noticing. :lol:

[aromantis]

Oh believe me, everyone has. :lol2:

[Breakin newz]

Greenbean is on point.. Listen that man..

Handling them with ur hands will not kill them, and exposing them to air will not kill them.... Im saying this from personnal experiance.......

[tasandkrs]

I had one for over two years without any problems
http://gallery.me.com/schrader/100051/DSC01344/web.jpg

[tasandkrs]

I had on for over two years without any problems
http://gallery.me.com/schrader/100051/DSC01344/web.jpg