What to feed linkias?

[starmanron]

One always reads, "starfish slowly starve to death the moment they are introduced into the aquarium."

Q1: Does everyone, (anyone?) believe this is true?

Q2: What can I feed them?

Q3: How can I feed them?

I've had one for about 1 year, and it's always looked pretty healthy, but now I observe it's looking a bit ragged and I think smaller than it used to be.

Thanks,

 

[Lpabsolute]

Not an expert on the matter but, have heard from several people that they eat algee from inside your tank and off of your liverock. I heard that they live longer in tanks that have been running for quite a while because of the large build up of algee. But i have also heard that no one really knows for sure what they eat. I have friends who have been in the hobby for years and they have been keeping linkias successfully for 5 plus years. i heard from my local fish store owner which i do all of my business and has a great rep. that it's all about the shipping of linkias. If they are shipped right to the LFS then you have greater success with them. Starmanron- chances are that your star will make it, since he's lasted this long in your tank. Hope you have success, but not sure about spot feeding them. Good Luck

 

[ALTI]

Lpabsolute is right about most not making it through shipping. if you do get one to live through the first few months it should last a long time. linkia do get pretty big and can eat alot of film algae. a 29 gal probably doesnt have enough algae to feed a fully grown star. If you think its getting too big for the tank. Take it to the lfs and trade it for a smaller one. only thing is that u r risking trading for one that hasbeen acclimated wrong.

 

[DJ88©]

[moved]

 

[The steven liu]

I have heard of that rumor. And I agree that many of these stars ships poorly and often times move on soon after their arrival. As of diet, many people who can keep a large amount of snails or urchin still can't keep them alive, which make people doubt if they actually eat algae. Some people keep 2 or 3 cucumbers but cannot keep a lynkia alive, which means not a detritus eater right? Thus some people say that lynkia, like many others in it's family, need a large amount of sponges of variu or certain species to sustain.... the conclusion is I don't know and I wouldn't risk getting/killing one until I have a definate answer.

 

[charlesr1958]

This article about Linkia starfish should answer your questions.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/may2002/toonen.htm

Chuck

 

[Mighty Quinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6995464#post6995464 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by charlesr1958
This article about Linkia starfish should answer your questions.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/may2002/toonen.htm

Chuck

Excellent reference! Thanks Chuck!