Linckia multifora
Taxonomy editing
©Anne Hoggett:
Linckia multifora found under rubble at MacGillivray Reef near Lizard Island. The longest arm is about 5 cm long.
©Anne Hoggett:
Linckia multifora from MacGillivray Reef near Lizard Island. Two madreporites can be seen in the white parts of the central disc. Two arms have been damaged and are regenerating.
©Anne Hoggett:
Linckia multifora in a shallow cavern at Yonge Reef near Lizard Island.
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Echinodermata
Class
Asteroidea
Order
Valvatida
Family
Ophidiasteridae
Genus
Linckia
Species
Linckia multifora
Colours
Distinguishing features
A small starfish with a mottled colour pattern and arms often of irregular length. Arm number variable, often five but sometimes four, six or seven. Usually two madreporites (special porous plates on the upper disc used for water transfer).
If correctly identified here, the small individual (R=1.1 cm) has a mottled colour pattern, two madreporites and pale terminal arm plates.
Size
-
Size data has not been obtained.
Depth range
- Depth range data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia:
Australian distribution
Local abundance
-
Lizard Island area:
Uncommon.
Web resources
References
References that assist with identification
-
Clark, A.M. and F.W.E. Rowe
(1971).
Monograph of shallow-water Indo-west Pacific echinoderms British Museum (Natural History), London.
-
Marsh, L.M. and J. Fromont
(2020).
Field Guide to shallow water seastars of Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.