Blue sea star, scientifically known as Linckia laevigata, is one of the most eye-catching creatures in the Andaman Sea. With its bright blue arms and star-like symmetry, it’s a favorite among divers, snorkelers, and underwater photographers.
If you’re visiting Thailand’s coast and joining an island hopping tour, you might just encounter one resting calmly on a reef or gliding across the sandy seabed.
Table of Contents
💙 What Is the Blue Sea Star?
- Scientific name: Linckia laevigata
- Appearance: Typically has five arms, bright blue to turquoise in color. Some can regenerate lost limbs, and others are found with six arms.
- Size: Can grow up to 30 centimeters across.
- Habitat: Shallow coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy bottoms throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Its vivid coloration isn’t just beautiful — it also helps deter predators.
🌱 Why They Matter to the Ecosystem
Blue sea stars play a vital role in keeping reef ecosystems healthy:
- They feed on organic detritus, algae, and biofilm — helping maintain the balance of life on coral reefs.
- Their grazing patterns keep algae from overrunning coral and allow new coral polyps to grow.
- They’re also prey for specialized predators like certain reef fish and sea snails — forming an important link in the food chain.
🔁 Regeneration: A Marvel of Marine Evolution
One of the most fascinating features of Linckia laevigata is its ability to regenerate lost limbs. In some cases, a single severed arm can grow into an entirely new sea star!
This makes them resilient in the wild, especially in areas where strong currents or predators might harm them.
📸 Where to Spot Blue Sea Stars in the Andaman
If you’re on a snorkeling trip in southern Thailand, you’re in luck! Popular locations include:
- Surin Islands – Known for vibrant reefs and traditional Moken village visits
- Similan Islands – Ideal for clear-water snorkeling and reef photography
- Phi Phi & Maiton Island Sunset Tour – A great combo for spotting reef creatures in calm waters
⚠️ Responsible Viewing Guidelines
Please respect these beautiful creatures by:
- Never lifting them out of water – they breathe through tube feet and skin gills, not lungs
- Avoid touching them – their bodies are delicate and vulnerable to human bacteria
- Do not move them – it causes disorientation and disrupts natural behaviors
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile coral environment they depend on
📷 Tips for Underwater Photography
- Approach calmly without chasing them
- Use natural light or a low-powered strobe to avoid startling marine life
- Capture them in their natural habitat — near rocks or corals
- Never flip them over just for a photo
❓ Quick FAQs
Q: Are sea stars fish?
A: No — they belong to the echinoderm family, related to sea urchins and sea cucumbers.
Q: Do they have brains?
A: No, but they use a nerve ring to coordinate movement and behavior.
Q: Are they poisonous?
A: Blue sea stars are not dangerous to humans, but some predators avoid them due to their chemical defenses.
🌊 A Symbol of Peaceful Exploration
Spotting a blue sea star is a small yet magical reward for those who venture into the underwater world. It reminds us to travel gently, protect what we love, and leave only bubbles behind.
📲 Plan Your Trip with Confidence
Travel responsibly with experienced guides and eco-conscious tours:
🌐 Website: www.loveandaman.com
📍 Facebook: Love Andaman
📍 Instagram: @loveandaman
📍 Lemon8: @loveandaman_8844