Fauna
Invertebrate

Blue Sea Star

Linckia laevigata

Also 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
Blue Sea Star reference
dr.scott.mills / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMicroalgae, Detritus, Bacterial mats
Predators
  • Harlequin shrimp
  • Pufferfish
  • Triton's trumpet snail
ThreatsOcean acidification, warming waters, and over-harvesting for the aquarium trade
HabitatsCoral reefs, seagrass beds, and shallow lagoons
Life spanUp to 10 years
Classification
  1. FamilyOphidiasteridae
  2. SpeciesLinckia laevigata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Easily recognized by their bright, solid blue color and five long, cylindrical arms.
Support conservation
Never remove them from the water, as exposure to air can trap bubbles in their vascular system.
Responsible observation
  • 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.
Related species
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