Blue linckea disinigrating?

[AR16]

Well, I have had my linckea "Louie" for almost 2 years now, contrary to my excpectations. However, tonight I noticed that two of his legs are showing white squarish tips that almost look like bone the skin(?) has disinigrated, and the other three tips are very dark with skin still. He is still moving around, but is there something I need to do for him?
He has never been injured before this, so I have a lot of faith that he is healthy

Thanks

 

[racrumrine]

That's the start of the process. It will usually get progressively worse.

30 gal is thought of as being way to small for this creature. It is often said that they need a tank with at least 100 pounds of live rock. I got one with a 180 gallon tank and about 300 pounds of live rock that I bought. Even then, it only lived about another 6 months.

It is said that in smaller tanks, they basically starve to death.

Best of luck,

Roy

 

[ROB2005]

To be honest the linckia star family are one of the hardest stars to keep in capitivity. I know this from experience that sometimes no matter what you do, it can be real hard to keep these stars well fed.

 

[AR16]

Well, that is what I read, after I got him. I have been glad to have him this long. So, what to do now? He is still moving around, and since I just lost my Blenny, I don't want to end things unless I have to. Will this go on for a while, or is there a chance he will pull out of it?

 

[racrumrine]

In your 30 gal tank, this will likely continue as a slow downhill slide that could take several months.

You might be able to turn it around by putting it in a much bigger tank.

Best of luck,

Roy

 

[AR16]

Well, Thanks for the help, I definantly do not want to lose him, so I will probably start setting up a bigger tank. Hopefully he pulls through till it is ready for him.

Thanks

 

[racrumrine]

What you might consider doing is loan him to someone with a much bigger tank to see if he recovers.

Once you get yours set up, you can take him back.

Best of luck,

Roy

 

[AR16]

Well, My lfs is the only place I know with a big enough tank, and I am really good friends with the owner, he has already offered to take him if I want. He has a great looking showtank about 300 gallons. Problem is, there are already 2 other linckea in there. I am probably going to keep him for now, see if those linckea gets sold.

Thanks for all the help

 

[racrumrine]

If he's offering, I would let him keep it for now. You'll be able to tell which one is yours by the white markings. If he recovers, great for all involved; especially the critter.

Best of luck,

Roy

 

[Wrench]

Linkias will eat meaty foods like clam and squid. Place it under their oral disc. They're not strictly algae grazers.

 

[sfarid123]

I would give it an Iodine bath; I did that for my orange fromia and it saved his life. From what I have observed this happens when they get stressed due to unstable water temp, salinity , or lack of food. I put mine in a small container and sprayed reef Iodine with a small pipet or turkey baster onto the infected areas; I kept him in for less than a minute, and put him back into the tank. I would defin get him a bigger tank.