Linckia multiflora
(Lamarck, 1816)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
This is a small species of Linckia. It has typically 5 arms but specimens with 6 or 7 arms do exists. Live specimens have typically a mottled colour scheme with blue, red, brown and pink patches. The end of the arms are typically of a different color. L. multiflora has great regeneration capabilities. When an individual looses an arm, it can regrow; resulting in many specimens with arms of different lengths.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
Linckia multiflora has been observed near all coral communities in Oman. From Musandam to Dhofar.
The species is also common throughout the Indian Ocean.
The species is also common throughout the Indian Ocean.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
This species is common among shallow coral communities. Their ability to regrow arms and for the severed arms to regrow a new starfish is considered as a mechanisms of asexual reproduction. In aquaria, it seems to feed almost exclusively on the bacterial and algal film that cover all substrates.
In this species, a severed arm can, in some conditions, regrow the 4 missing arms resulting in what is known as "comet" starfish.
In this species, a severed arm can, in some conditions, regrow the 4 missing arms resulting in what is known as "comet" starfish.