Linckia laevigata ( Linnaeus 1758 )

Yiu, Sam King Fung & Mah, Christopher L., 2024, New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong, Zootaxa 5526 (1), pp. 1-69 : 49-50

Linckia laevigata ( Linnaeus 1758)

FIGURE 37C

Comments

A species identified based on its distinctive arm shape and irregularly arranged abactinal plates. Although color is variable across its range, this species is best known for its distinctive blue color. The individual figured herein shows a more blue-green color ( Fig. 37C ) and was spotted on the rocky substrate in Basalt Island at 7m. Only one occurrence was recorded during our study but others have been recorded by citizen science accounts which show the more typical deep-blue color. Liao & Clark (1995) had recorded this species from Hong Kong waters, but stated that it was not a commonly encountered species.

Occurrence/Distribution

Hong Kong, 7m.

Outside Hong Kong. Widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific. Southern China, Japan, Taiwan, Northern and Western Australia , Philippines, Indonesia, Tahiti , Pitcairn Island, Polynesia to the Indian Ocean, to east Africa, 0–60 m.

Figures

FIGURE 37. Linckia and Ophidiaster armatus A. In situ observation, O. armatus abactinal surface. B. Six rayed variant of O. armatus from Ninepin Islands, Hong Kong. C. In situ observation of L. laevigata. Photographer: A and C: Sam King Fung Yiu; B: Max Leung.