Care
The Blue Starfish is known from shallow reef areas that are exposed to sunlight, where they are found exploring rocks, sand, and dead corals, usually during the evening/night time. Although they prefer these shallow zones with rich biofilm growth, they have been observed as far down as 60m (197ft); at such depths, they may not be brilliant blue, but a more subdued colour such as purple, beige, brown, or orange. Geographical variation also plays a part in colour distribution. Juveniles tend to spend a lot of time hidden under corals and rocks, whereas the adults tend to amble around leisurely in more open areas after sunset. These eye-catching echinoderms are considered fairly difficult to keep in the home aquarium, and are suitable for advanced aquarists only. One of the major problems in keeping these starfish alive for a respectable length of time is provision of an appropriate diet - there is a distinct lack of research in this area, and still very little is known about their precise nutritional needs. It is currently believed that they are specialised aufwuchs feeders, so a large, mature aquarium with plenty of hard decor under bright lighting is requisite, to allow for colonisation of these surfaces with biofilm, algae, and micro-invertebrates on an ongoing basis. A fishless refugium attached to the main tank would also help to culture an endless supply of microfauna to supplement feeding. Although smaller Blue Starfish may seem to be doing well in less voluminous tanks for a time, they will soon require much more space. The difficulty is, that in such small quarters, a reasonably-sized starfish (e.g. hand sized) will simply not have enough well-aged rock and other flat surfaces to continue to find food for extended periods of time - so the larger and more mature the aquarium, the better. These critters make very good tankmates for most reef-friendly fish, corals, and other invertebrates, and should not pose a threat to their safety. However, avoid keeping alongside hermit crabs, which may inflict damage. Blue Starfish are extremely sensitive to changes in water chemistry and should be acclimatised very carefully and slowly over the course of a few hours via drip acclimatisation, in order not to shock them with any differences in salinity or pH. As these starfish are largely nocturnal, they will spend most of the day well-hidden, but will venture out to scavenge for food items at night. Many aquarists like to run a dim moon light during the evening in order to view their starfish as they go about their business under the subdued illumination. May also be seen on sale as the Blue Finger Starfish, Blue Linckia or Blue Sea Star.
Feeding
Specialised aufwuchs feeder (see above). Will also scavenge amongst all the nooks and crannies in the aquarium in an ongoing search for food, consuming waste food and detritus as they go. Also offer regular supplemental target feedings with meaty fish foods e.g. Mysis shrimp, spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, krill, chopped prawns, chopped clam etc.
Breeding
Most commonly reproduces asexually, when one arm pulls itself away from the central disc and walks away; the disc heals and grows a replacement arm, and the detached arm grows another body plus 4 additional arms. Can also reproduce sexually via gonochoric means, with the tiny embryos hatching into planktonic larvae, then later metamorphosing into pentamorous juveniles which develop into young starfish with stubby arms. Spawning of these starfish in the home aquarium is rare.
