Echinaster luzonicus (Luzon sea star)

Identification

The Luzon sea star (Echinaster luzonicus) is a very variable sea star in terms of appearance. Colors range from from yellow to orange, red and brown, even blue and pink. They typically have 6 arms (but have been found to have 4-7), with darker tips and black pores randomly distributed.

Status

Unassessed by the IUCN Red list

Habitat

The Luzon sea star can be found in the Western Pacific, from Indonesia, the Philippines to Eastern Australia. They prefer intertidal zones on open exposed reefs, most commonly between 2-15 meters, but also to depths of 73 meters down.

Reproduction

These animals can produce both sexually and asexually. Asexual reproduction happens by fission. The central disc or an arm breaks off and both halfs continue to regenerate into a full individual. When just an arm splits off, it forms a comet – one long, well-developed arm, with a small disc and other arms. It takes time before the new body parts grow as big.

Size

Up to 15cm.

Prey / Predation

Feeds on organic matter and invertebrates.

Special features

You might spot a commensal species of flatworm on the body of E. luzonicus, called Coeloplana astericola, with a bright red and white color pattern.