Species · GBIF taxon 5187093
Blue Sea Star
Linckia laevigataAlso known as Blue Linckia, Blue Star
Blue sea stars drape their brilliant cobalt-blue arms over sunlit coral reefs throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific. These slow-moving invertebrates play a vital role in reef health by grazing on algae and organic detritus, keeping the substrate clear for new coral growth. They possess an extraordinary ability to regenerate, capable of growing an entire new body from a single severed arm.
MarineColorfulReef-Dwelling
Licensed referencedr.scott.mills / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Microalgae, detritus, and organic film
- family
- Ophidiasteridae
- threats
- Ocean acidification, warming waters, and over-harvesting for the aquarium trade
- life Span
- Up to 10 years
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Vulnerable to localized depletion due to heavy collection for the marine aquarium trade and souvenir market.
Never remove them from the water, as exposure to air can trap bubbles in their vascular system.- Do not touch: Handling can damage their delicate water vascular system and protective mucus layer.
- Look for comets: Search for individuals with one large arm and four tiny growing arms.
- Observe in shallows: Look closely in sunny, shallow reef flats during low tide.