Blue Sea Star

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Linckia laevigata, also known as the blue Linckia or blue star, is a species of sea star that thrives in the shallow waters of the tropical Indo-Pacific region. This biogeographic area encompasses the Indian Ocean, western and central Pacific Ocean, and the seas connecting these two oceans around Indonesia. The most commonly observed variation of this species is pure blue, dark blue, or light blue, but observers also discover aqua, purple, or orange variations in different parts of the ocean. These sea stars can grow up to 30 cm in diameter, with rounded tips at each arm, and some individuals may display lighter or darker spots along their arms. In terms of texture, individual specimens are typically firm and possess slightly tubular, elongated arms common to most members of the Ophidiasteridae family, along with short, yellowish tube feet. As an inhabitant of coral reefs and sea grass beds, this species is relatively common and often found in sparse density throughout its range. Blue stars live subtidally or intertidally on fine sand or hard substrata and move at a relatively slow pace, with a mean locomotion rate of 8.1 cm/min.