Leiaster leachi
(Gray, 1840)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
One of the unmistakable species in Oman. It is often referred to as the "Omani Army Starfish" because of its coloration that resembles the desert camouflaged uniform of the national army. Color patterns is extremely variable but nearly always includes three colors, although in various proportions. The numerous small and nearly transparent papillae covering the all surface of the body and used by the animal to extract oxygen from the water gives a slightly fuzzy appearance to the arm.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
So far, Leiaster leachi has only been observed in Dhofar, where it is relatively common.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
A beautiful, unusually colored starfish. Like many members of the Linckia and Leiaster genera, L. leachi reproduces asexually by autotomy of arms. Incomplete specimens with one, two or even three missing arms are not rare.