The blue sea star that can grow a new body from a single arm
In short: The Linckia laevigata, or blue star, is a striking inhabitant of tropical Indo-Pacific reefs. Beyond its vibrant color, this sea star possesses remarkable regenerative powers, capable of surviving defensive autotomy and potentially reproducing asexually by growing entirely new bodies from detached arms, a process known as forming a comet.
Found across the shallow waters of the tropical Indo-Pacific, Linckia laevigata is a sea star that typically reaches 30 cm in diameter. While famous for its pure blue, aqua, or purple color morphs, these creatures are firm in texture and move at a leisurely pace, averaging about 8.1 cm per minute across sand or hard reef substrates. They occupy a niche as detritivores, grazing on organic films, sponges, and algae, though they are also known to hunt smaller Asterina starfish in aquarium settings.
The species is defined by its extreme resilience. Like other members of the Ophidiasteridae family, it utilizes defensive autotomy to escape predators, shedding limbs when threatened. Scientists suspect that, much like its relative Linckia multifora, this species can reproduce asexually. When an arm separates from the mother, it can develop into a 'comet'—a regenerating individual that grows four tiny new arm stubs to reach maturity. This regenerative capacity is so profound that researchers often observe individuals in the wild missing limbs or in various stages of comet-like regrowth.
Despite its biological toughness, the blue star faces significant pressures. It is a target for predators like pufferfishes, triton shells, and harlequin shrimp, and it can be plagued by the parasitic gastropod Thyca crystallina. Furthermore, human activity has taken a toll; the species has long been harvested for the sea-shell trade, where its dried skeleton is sold as a curio. This continuous extraction for tourism and decoration has led to notable population declines in parts of its natural range. While popular in the marine aquarium hobby, the species remains difficult to keep, requiring precise acclimatization and specific food sources, and it has not yet been successfully bred in captivity for sustainable harvest.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Linckia laevigata
- Also: Blue Linckia (Linckia laevigata)
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