Linckia laevigata
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
1-20 meters
The blue sea star is one of the most recognisable and photogenic invertebrates on Komodo's reefs, instantly identifiable by its vivid cobalt blue colouration. This medium-sized sea star, reaching up to 30 centimetres across, is commonly found crawling slowly across reef flats, sandy areas, and rubble zones in shallow water. Its striking blue colour comes from a pigment called linckiacyanin and makes it one of the few naturally blue animals in the marine world. In Komodo, blue sea stars are a reliable sighting at most shallow dive and snorkelling sites, often draped over coral rubble or moving across open sandy patches. Despite their seemingly simple appearance, they are remarkably resilient animals — a single severed arm can regenerate into an entirely new sea star, a process called autotomy. Blue sea stars feed on biofilms and detritus coating reef surfaces, playing a humble but important role in nutrient recycling. They also serve as hosts for tiny parasitic snails and commensal shrimp that live on their surface, perfectly camouflaged against the blue skin.
Average Size
15-25cm arm span
Size Range
5-30cm arm span
Maximum Size
30cm arm span
Feeds on biofilms of bacteria and microalgae coating reef surfaces, as well as detritus and decaying organic matter. Grazes slowly using its tube feet to pass food to its central mouth.
The blue sea star is one of the most recognisable and photogenic invertebrates on Komodo's reefs, instantly identifiable by its vivid cobalt blue colouration. This medium-sized sea star, reaching up to 30 centimetres across, is commonly found crawling slowly across reef flats, sandy areas, and rubble zones in shallow water. Its striking blue colour comes from a pigment called linckiacyanin and makes it one of the few naturally blue animals in the marine world. In Komodo, blue sea stars are a reliable sighting at most shallow dive and snorkelling sites, often draped over coral rubble or moving across open sandy patches. Despite their seemingly simple appearance, they are remarkably resilient animals — a single severed arm can regenerate into an entirely new sea star, a process called autotomy. Blue sea stars feed on biofilms and detritus coating reef surfaces, playing a humble but important role in nutrient recycling. They also serve as hosts for tiny parasitic snails and commensal shrimp that live on their surface, perfectly camouflaged against the blue skin.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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Their colour comes from a unique pigment called linckiacyanin. Not all individuals are blue — some are purple, orange, or even pink, but the blue form is by far the most common and recognisable.
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