StarfishLeiaster leachi
Category
- Rocky Shores
Description
Leiaster leachi is a starfish from the family of Ophidiasteridae, commonly known as the Leach’s Sea Star[1]. It has a typical size of 20 cm, with cylindrical arms of unequal lengths. The body has no spines and colour varies between orange-yellow, bright red to reddish purple.
[1] e-Nature, ‘Qatar E-Nature – Leiaster Leachi’.
Habitat and ecology
This starfish is present across the Indo-Pacific region, in tropical and subtropical regions. It is found on coral reefs at recorded depth ranges of 7 to 15m. Diet consists of organisms that are encrusted in rocks or films found on substrates. Reproduction is asexual and sexual. Embryos that hatch from the eggs undergo a planktonic phase before metamorphosing into juvenile sea stars[1].
Conservation and management
The conservation status of this species has not yet been evaluated.
Did you know?
This species can reach a maximum of length 40cm.
