Bouvier's Starfish

Appearance

This starfish has long tapering cylindrical arms with a very small central disc. Variable in color, it can be blue to plum. The arms are dotted with raised spots that correspond to porous plates. These plates are dispersed without order on the surface of the integument, except on the lateral face of the arms where they form two series well aligned and superimposed on each side.

Naming

The proposed common name comes from the scientific name Linckia bouvieri in honor of Alain Bouvier.

Distribution

Cuba, Gulf of Mexico, Madeira, the Canary Islands, the Cape Verde Archipelago, the Caribbean

Habitat

Rocky and coral reefs in depths 1-40 m.