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.
| 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 |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Linckia-laevigata
Accessed 15 Aug 2024
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