Linckia Starfish 341

Linckia laevigata (sometimes called the “blue Linckia” or blue star) is a species of sea star in the shallow waters of tropical Indo-Pacific.  The variation (“polymorphism”, in this case, a “color morph“) most commonly found is pure, dark, or light blue, although observers find the aqua, purple, or orange variation of linckia starfish 341 throughout the ocean. These sea stars may grow up to 30 cm (11.8 in) in diameter, with rounded tips at each of the arms; some individuals may bear lighter or darker spots along each of their arms. Individual specimens are typically firm in texture, possessing the slightly tubular, elongated arms common to most of other members of the family Ophidiasteridae, and usually possessing short, yellowish tube feet. An inhabitant of coral reefs and sea grass beds, this species is relatively common and is typically found in sparse density throughout its range. Blue stars live subtidally, or sometimes intertidally, on fine (sand) or hard substrata and move relatively slowly (mean locomotion rate of 8.1 cm/min).  The genus Linckia, as is true of other species of starfish, is recognized by scientists as being possessed of remarkable regenerative capabilities, and endowed with powers of defensive autotomy against predators:^{[citation needed]} Although not yet documented, L. laevigata or linckia starfish 341 may be able to reproduce asexually, as does the related species Linckia multifora (another denizen of tropical seas, but of differing coloration, i.e., pink or reddish mottled with white and yellow, which has been observed reproducing asexually in captivity).^{[citation needed]} Linckia multifora produces ‘comets’, or separated arms, from the mother individual; these offspring proceed to grow four tiny stubs of arms ready for growth to maturity. L. laevigata is apparently not an exception to this behavior, as many individuals observed in nature are missing arms or, on occasion, in the comet form.  Some species of other reef inhabitants prey on this species of sea star.