Invertebrates
Blue Linckia Sea Star
Linckia laevigata · also called blue sea star, blue starfish
Moving slowly across a coral reef on rows of tiny tube feet, a blue Linckia sea star stands out as one of the few naturally bright blue animals in the ocean, carrying the remarkable ability to regrow an entire new body from a single detached arm.
Overview
The blue Linckia sea star, Linckia laevigata, is native to coral reef habitat across the Indo-Pacific region. Its vivid natural blue colouring, remarkable capacity for full-body regeneration from a single arm, and slow reef-grazing lifestyle make it one of the most visually striking and biologically resilient sea stars found anywhere.
Regeneration taken to an extreme
While many sea stars can regrow a single lost arm, the blue Linckia sea star belongs to a smaller group capable of something more extreme: regenerating an entire new sea star from just one detached arm, provided it carries a small fragment of the central disc.
Status
Not Evaluated for conservation status, found across suitable coral reef habitat throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Blue Linckia Sea Star: common questions
Can the blue Linckia sea star really regrow its whole body from one arm?
In some cases, yes; a detached arm that carries a small piece of the central disc can regenerate into a complete new sea star, a remarkable regenerative ability shared by several Linckia species and a small number of other sea stars.
Why is the blue Linckia sea star so brightly coloured?
It is one of relatively few sea star species with a naturally and consistently vivid blue colouration, though the specific evolutionary advantage of this particular colour is not fully understood.
Is the blue Linckia sea star a good aquarium animal?
It is popular for its striking colour, but it can be genuinely difficult to keep healthy long-term in captivity, since it depends on a steady supply of the algae and detritus found naturally on healthy coral reefs.
Where is the blue Linckia sea star found?
It is native to coral reef habitat across a wide stretch of the Indo-Pacific region.