Nocturnal Linkia Star?

[LunaReef]

I picked up a Blue Linkia Star about 2 weeks ago. I am kind of worried about it though...it was hiding out when I bought him and has been hiding out in my tank ever since I added him. He is very much alive, I have taken him out of hiding a couple of times to be sure. I didn't think they were nocturnal though...has anyone else noticed this?

 

[willray]

Mine comes out to play all day long.It doesn't seem to care as to it being day or night.

 

[smcnally]

Same here. Mine is out all day and night.

 

[jdeb101]

I just picked one of these up today at Jays in Salem NH. Right now hes hiding in rockwork, Ill try to keep you updated.

 

[LunaReef]

That is where I got mine too! Yes, please do let me know if you think of it. I'm concerned about mine. Thanks.

Steve,

I read in another post that yours was eating Nori...does it still? I was wondering if I put some in a clip if that might encourage it to come out and eat.

 

[smcnally]

Mine does still eat nori, but I have never heard anyone else say theirs do. I think mine is just weird.

 

[LunaReef]

Ha ha, yeah I saw the pictures of yours. It really does look like a hand!

I guess it is worth a shot for me to try Nori for him...I don't know what else I can do for him. I wish I could see him so I could at least assess his physical state. He's been living in a new cave where I cannot get to him to drag him out.

 

[jdeb101]

LunaReef what kind of lighting you using on your tank? I ask because I just found this http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=568 which says that they prefer well lighted sandy substrate. Maybe that could be why he likes to hid in rockwork?

 

[smcnally]

Mine never is on the substrate.

 

[LunaReef]

I am only running PC's at the moment but we are going to upgrade to T5's soon. I just need to decide on the appropriate fixture for our tank.

The only time I have seen my Linka out (at night with moonlights running), he was slowly "cartwheeling" along the glass. The lighting could be an issue though...

 

[jdeb101]

Ya Im not sure what it could be, I just came across that page and thought Id throw a possibility out there. I'd be interested to find out what gets them out.

I also just want to point out the my Star was on the substrate at Jays when I got it, and he had MH's on the tank. So could be possible maybe...

 

[LunaReef]

Yeah, definitely good suggestions, thanks.

When I got mine at Jay's it was hidden under a mushroom rock on a shelf. I almost missed it, if not for one blue tip sticking out.

I hope he is ok...maybe I will try to dig him out again later for an inspection.

 

[jdeb101]

I checked on him last night and he was sticking to the glass way up near the water surface level.

 

[LunaReef]

Oh good, I'm glad to hear yours is coming out!

I am still not sure mine comes out at all.... His legs to seem to be positioned differently so he is moving around but I looked in on him a few hours after lights out last night and he wasn't out. I've been putting it off but I'm going to have to dig him out of there to have a look at him later...sigh.

 

[LunaReef]

Well, I tore up the tank tonight and got the starfish out of hiding to see what is going on. What I found...I am not sure what to think. The starfish seems to be in fine shape physically, but something is coming out of where I thought the mouth is. I am not sure if it is some sort of horrible death-goo or possibly eggs? Here is a pic...don't mind the cloudiness...had to tear up the tank a bit to get it out of hiding.

 

[jdeb101]

I wouldnt be able to tell you what that is cuz Im new to this too, but it looks like Poo! lol Hopefully its ok!

Mine again last night was up on the glass and still is of now. Did you maybe try calling Jays and asking him?

 

[smcnally]

It is expelling its gut. This is usually induced by stress and can be bad. Some stars do this as a way of feeding, but I would keep an eye on it as it usually (from what I've read) is a sign of the linkia going downhill.

 

[LunaReef]

Oh no! That is bad news.

After I took that picture it actually stayed out for a long time for once. It went all the way across the substrate then climbed up the walls of the tank and hung out on the walls all night.

I'm not sure what to do for him...all water parameters are still normal. I know they are very sensitive to changes in water quality but it has not changed since I got him. What should I do...it is hard when inverts are sick.

 

[smcnally]

There's nothing you really can do but wait and see if it pulls them back in.

 

[LunaReef]

Well, it did pull them back in so that is good (I think). I was able to get a look at him again yesterday. I'm going to leave him be and see how things go for now. I am probably adding to it's stress when I remove it from hiding...

Thanks for all the help