Spawning Blue Seastar

Blue Seastar - Linckia laevigata are fairly common in tropical reefs.
When spawning, as seen in the picture, they 'stand' on their legs.

comments (12)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

That is so cool! Did you wait for this to happen? How long does it stand like this? Posted 9 years ago
1. Albert Kang
  
  Lion
  
  This was seen during late afternoon dive.
  When I first saw it in standing position, I knew it is going to spawn and called my friends over. It didn't take long for it to start spawning and we spend at least 30 minutes with it until I noticed nearby a Sea Cucumber spawning followed by Crown of Thorn Spawning just within 10 meters of each other. I think it was the timing of the day and/or the situation that makes them spawn about the same time. Posted 9 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Very interesting, a spawn orgy so to say. Posted 9 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Well, this is really awesome! Posted 7 years ago
1. Albert Kang
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks, Christine :) Posted 7 years ago

Seaslugaddict

Bullet Ant

WoW! Great picture. Must be a great dive. Posted 5 years ago
1. Albert Kang
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks, Seaslugaddict and yes, it was indeed a good dive :) Posted 5 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

From today's Facebook post:

Love is in the air! Or, um…in the water! This beautiful shot shows the sea star, Linckia laevigata, spawning! Linckia laevigata, which lives in shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific, is characterized by its five cylindrical arms and gorgeous, blue coloring. They can grow up to 40 cm in diameter.

When the time to reproduce arrives, the sea stars spawn. This means that they release clouds of millions of eggs and sperm into the water column. Sea stars usually gather in groups as sea-star-crossed-lovers to spawn, thus increasing the odds of fertilization. The eggs that get fertilized will become embryos that develop into larvae, then juveniles, and finally adults. {Spotted in the Philippines by JungleDragon moderator, Albert Kang} #JungleDragon #spawning #Linckialaevigata #seastar

https://www.facebook.com/jungledragonwildlife/ Posted 5 years ago
1. Albert Kang
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Christing for featuring this observation :) Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    You're welcome, Albert! I have a very long list of your observations in my queue of things to post. You have so many odd, beautiful, and incredible spottings. Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. Albert Kang
      
      Lion
      
      Oh wow, thanks again and looking forward to your features of the so many interesting observations, not only from me but from other JD Members. Keep up the great work! Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        You're welcome...and, thanks Albert :) Posted 5 years ago

The Linckia laevigata

''Linckia laevigata'' is a species of sea star in the shallow waters of tropical Indo-Pacific . The variation most commonly found is pure, dark, or light blue, although observers find the aqua, purple, or orange variation throughout the ocean. These sea stars may grow up to 30 cm in diameter, with rounded tips at each of the arms; some individuals may bear lighter or darker spots along each of their arms. Individual specimens are typically firm in texture, possessing the slightly tubular, elongated.. more

Info 11 0

Similar species: Valvatidan Sea Stars

Species identified by Albert Kang