⭐ Spotted Linckia Sea Star (Linckia multifora)
A Variable Tan, Orange, Red or Purple Base With Distinctive Freckled Speckling • Capable of Remarkable Regeneration From a Single Arm • A Steadier Track Record Than the Blue Linckia
 
📋 The Spotted Linckia Sea Star, also known as the Comet Sea Star or Red Linckia, is a strikingly patterned marine echinoderm with a variable base colour, ranging from tan and orange to red or purple, scattered with distinctive reddish speckles that give the species its "freckled" appearance.
It comes from reef flats and rubble zones across the Indo-Pacific, a slow-moving detritus feeder, using weak tube feet lining the underside of each arm to transfer fine organic debris and film algae to a centrally located mouth. Every Spotted Linckia Sea Star we ship is feeding well.
Like other Linckia sea stars, this species' natural diet of surface film algae, biofilm, and microorganisms is difficult to replicate in a home aquarium, so we recommend it only for a large, well-established tank with abundant natural grazing surface. That said, this spotted, freckled variety tends to do noticeably better in captivity than the more commonly sold Blue Linckia, likely due to differences in specific dietary needs. This species is also capable of remarkable regeneration, with entire new sea stars able to grow from a single detached arm, though this ability is less reliable in a home aquarium than in the wild. It reaches 10-15cm, so a 200L tank with extensive, established live rock suits it well.
 
💡 Highlights
🟠 Freckled, Variable Colouration: Tan, orange, red, or purple base with distinctive speckling
🐌 Slow, Detritus-Feeding Behaviour: Grazes fine organic debris and film algae from rock and substrate
🌀 Remarkable Regeneration: Capable of regrowing an entire sea star from a single arm, though less reliable in captivity
🧠 A Steadier Track Record: Tends to do better in captivity than its Blue Linckia relative
🌿 Generally Reef Safe: Occasional risk to small anemones, clams, or sponges