Now it is time to learn a about the blue starfish since most people only know about the most common types of starfish , without the slightest idea that there are many others types..
Blue starfish
The scientific name of this species is Linckia laevigata. It is a starfish which has five cylindrical arms of fully rounded termination, unlike the common pointed one, that tend to have other starfish. Despite the their names individual of green, pink, and yellow colors also belong to this species
Table Of Content
Main Characteristics
In terms of size the blue starfish can grow up to 40 centimeters in diameter. They have blue pigment called linckiacyanin and some accessory yellow carotenoids, although their colors commonly vary, depending on their sizes and the combination of pigments.
The distinctive bright blue color of these starfish is very striking, and makes of them the delight of any one who sees them.
In terms of behavior they tend to be solitaries, carrying out their activities during night, remaining hiding on the rocks during day.
The blue starfish have saponins which are toxic steroids very similar to soap, that they employ as a sort of defense mechanism against any predator.
As far as the lifespan of this species, it is known to live as long as 10 years in their natural habitat. This statistic decreases in a big proportion when they remain in captivity, because of the precise conditions in terms of acclimation they require.
The displacement of the blue starfish is usually very slow.
Blue Starfish Habitat
Blue starfish inhabit mainly in shallow tropical waters of no more than 60 meters. Coral reefs can be mentioned as the preferred location of this species. The Indian and the Pacific Ocean, from Africa to the Hawaiian waters are their most common locations and it is quite difficult to find them somewhere else.
Blue Starfish Reproduction
Blue starfish as most starfish, usually make up groups when they are going to mate, in order to increase the probabilities of fertilization.
During the mating process, the gametes are released into the water, getting developed in a few days to become in larvae. In about 30 day larvae become in tiny blue starfish, very similar to an adult but much smaller. Mating generally occurs in summer.
Let´s learn about them in different way
What Do Blue Starfish Feed On?
As most starfish , these creatures are characterized by being predators and scavengers. They invert their stomachs in order to digest their food externally. Dead animals, small invertebrates, and detritus, comprise the diet of this species. See article Starfish, for further information about the digestive procces of starfish in general
Blue Starfish and Human Beings
Blue starfish are commonly employed in domestic aquariums; and some considerations must be taken know for this purpose.
First of all it is no easy to have them in captivity, neither to feed them. They must live in a very slow climate, what can be achieved through drip irrigation.
Moreover, since they usually eat corals, they are not always suitable for an aquarium at home; although if you want to employ them for this purpose you must keep in mind this consideration.
In general terms; due to the limitations previously mentioned, if the proper conditions are not complied it is better to leave them in their natural habitats.
However, if you are total decided to employ these beautiful starfish in your domestic aquarium, you should understand that you have a commitment with Mother Nature, to preserve and give the proper conditions to this species. Remember that they always look better accompanied with all the starfish of the sea.
The blue starfish are also being tested as an inexpensive source of potential anti-tumor and antibacterial agents. Thus, we must keep waiting for further information in this regard.
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