Blue Linkia Starfish

Linckia Laevigata

Family: OphidiasteridaeGenus: LinckiaSpecies: L. laevigata

Apperance• Five long, thin arms (Each arm contains an identical set of internal organs.)• Some have spots• Can be up to to 1 foot long

The Blue Linkia lives with multiple organisms along the reef. This includes Marine turtles, Potato Cod, White-Tipped Reef shark, Manatee, Dolphins and Mink whales. The starfish does not pose as a threat to any organisms.

Commensalism: They release particles stuck in the reef, then smaller organisms, like shrimp, will eat it.Mutualism: No mutual relationshipsParasitism: Parasitic bivalve feed off of the circulatory system of the starfish.Symbiotic Relationships: They create protection for smaller organisms being hunted, like worms.

Where do they live?Tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, the western and Central Pacific Ocean, and the seas connecting the two.

The niche of blue star are benthic invertebrates because they live in the benthic zone of the ocean. They are predators and normally eat shellfish.

• Eat the organic material on the bottom of the sea. Also feed on mollusks, sponges, bryozoans, and ascidians.

• Prey of dog-faced puffer fish and snails• Blue Linckia Sea Stars forage the substrate and

live rock for film algaes and microorganisms

ReproductionThe male/female will spawn gametes freely into the water above them. If a male/female spawns close to one another, the fertilized eggs develop into feeding larvae within a couple of days. These larvae spend about 28-30 days in the water column before settling onto a hard surface on the reef and metamorphosing into a tiny version of the adult star.

The blue starfish’s way of reproduction is beneficial because their inner organs would be crushed if it were to be pregnant. This also makes it easier to travel and eat.

The blue starfish is important to the environment because it forages the substrate and live rock for film algaes and microorganisms.

The niche of blue star are benthic invertebrates because they live in the benthic zone of the ocean. They are predators and normally eat shellfish.