12 Elusively Blue Animals: The Rarest Creatures of All
Linckia laevigata
A blue Linckia laevigata resting on top of gray coral
Marnie Griffiths / Getty Images
Linckia laevigata is a species of sea star that is found throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. The sea star is notable for its blue coloration, which ranges from a light blue to a dark blue depending on the individual. Occasionally, individuals may be other colors as well, such as orange or pink. Linckia laevigata is one of the few blue animals whose coloration is caused by a pigment rather than by structural coloration. The species produces a carotenoprotein known as linckiacyanin, which is made up of multiple different carotenoids, giving the sea star its distinctive blue color.
A blue Linckia laevigata resting on top of gray coral
Marnie Griffiths / Getty Images
Linckia laevigata is a species of sea star that is found throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. The sea star is notable for its blue coloration, which ranges from a light blue to a dark blue depending on the individual. Occasionally, individuals may be other colors as well, such as orange or pink. Linckia laevigata is one of the few blue animals whose coloration is caused by a pigment rather than by structural coloration. The species produces a carotenoprotein known as linckiacyanin, which is made up of multiple different carotenoids, giving the sea star its distinctive blue color.
Advertisements
30 August 2023
Advertisements
