Linckia laevigata in situ (Photo: Clay Bryce)

Blue seastar

Linckia laevigata

Distinctive seastar with smooth rounded arms

Morphology

Usually bright blue, sometimes greenish blue, ones from deep water may be completely orange. Central disc small with five fairly stout, cylindrical arms.

Evolution

Needs clarification with regard to L. multiflora.

Behaviour

Feeds on substrate biofilm.

Method of reproduction

Sexual reproduction with mass spawning

Habitat

Marine

Adults live on coral reef flats and slopes, 0-60 metres depth.

Distribution

Common in tropical Indo-Pacific. Tropical north western & eastern Australia.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Subphylum: Asterozoa
Class: Asteroidea
Superorder: Valvatacea
Order: Valvatida
Family: Ophidiasteridae
Genus: Linckia
Species: laevigata
Name Published Year: 1758
Scientific Name Authorship: Linnaeus
Commercial Impact: 

None

Conservation Assessment: Least Concern

Net Conservation Benefits Fund

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Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Linckia-laevigata
Accessed 30 Aug 2023

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