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.