Linckia multifora is easily the most abundant star found at Kwajalein, being common under rocks in the lagoon, exposed on the intertidal reef flat and shallow flat-topped coral pinnacles, in caves and ledges in seaward reef surge channels, and in many other areas as well. It is highly variable, although it is possible that some of those we are calling Linckia multifora could be a different species.
This oddly colored variation was found occasionally on lagoon reefs. It might be worth another look.
Regenerating four arms from one.
Another oddly colored form that could use further study.
Tiny arms regenerating from a single arm.
The next few photos show another bit of an odd one that was quite a bit larger than typical L. multifora and which could probably use another look.
The next three photos may be juveniles but may be another species.
This juvenile was just 7mm in diameter.
Looks like this individual split in just the right place to cause both remaining arms to think they needed to bud an entire new set of arms.
A six-arm Linckia crawling across a Culcita novaeguinea.
This star has a parasitic mollusk, Stilifer linckiae, which has bored into its body, leaving just the shell's white tip exposed.
A closer shot of the parasitic mollusk, Stilifer linckiae, bored into the body of the star Linckia multifora.
Updated 30 June 2021
Updated 10 February 2024