Blue Starfishアオヒトデ

Species Data

Classification

Valvatida / Ophidiasteridae Source

Size

Radius (from the center of the body to the tip of an arm) reaches up to about 30 cm, though individuals around 10 cm have been recorded in Japanese waters

Diet

Omnivore Detritivore feeding mainly on organic films, sponges, algae, and other slow-growing organisms

Distribution

Found in shallow tropical Indo-Pacific waters from the Indian Ocean to the central and western Pacific, inhabiting coral reefs and seagrass beds on sand or hard substrates. Source

Sources

en.wikipedia.org churaumi.okinawa

Did You Know?

• While typically vivid blue, individuals can also appear green, brown, or occasionally orange, showing significant color variation within the species. Source
• It has remarkable regenerative abilities, able to reproduce asexually by detaching an arm that develops into a new individual, known as a "comet." Source

Verified individual animals and facilities will be added as official information becomes available.

FAQ

Why is the blue starfish always blue?

Blue is its most common color, but individuals can also be green, brown, or rarely orange — the species shows considerable color variation. Source

Can a blue starfish regrow a lost arm?

Yes, and remarkably a single detached arm (called a "comet") can regenerate into an entirely new starfish, an asexual reproduction strategy. Source

What does a blue starfish eat?

It grazes on organic films and slow-growing organisms like sponges and algae on the reef surface. Source

How many operating facilities are registered here?

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 0 Source

Books & gear

• Blue Starfish book
• binoculars