Blue starfish

Linckia laevigata

ORDER

Valvatida

FAMILY

Ophidiasteridae

TAXONOMY

Asterias laevigata (Linnaeus, 1758).

OTHER COMMON NAMES

None known.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Usually five arms with a body diameter that can reach 12 in (30 cm). Adults have brilliant blue coloration. Juveniles are blue-green, purplish with dark spots. The genus Linckia has many color morphs, making it difficult to identify species.

DISTRIBUTION

Common in shallow waters of Indo-Pacific Oceans. In particular, eastern Africa to Hawaii and the South Pacific Islands to Japan.

HABITAT

Adults found along coral gravel substrates of reef terraces in direct sunlight, sandy sediments, and under rocks.

BEHAVIOR

Adults characteristically knock over coral when foraging. Hides during the day in coral and rocky crevices. Juveniles may sometimes aggregate in large numbers under coral and rock. Has a commensal shrimp Periclimenes cornutus.

FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET

Non-selective grazer, feeding on detritus, debris, and small organisms. Everts stomach to feed on prey. Predator is the Triton trumpet snail Charonia tritonis.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Little known about their natural history. Asexual reproduction.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Not listed by the IUCN.

SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS

Used in home aquaria and are the most commonly imported sea star.