Red-knobbed sea star (Protoreaster lincki)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Protoreaster lincki
- Common name
- Red-knobbed sea star
- Category
- Echinoderms
- Family
- Oreasteridae
- Genus
- Protoreaster
- Size
- 20–30 cm
- Depth
- 1–60 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sand, seagrass
- Behaviours
- solitary, slow
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Protoreaster lincki reaches 30 cm. Robust sea star with 5 thick arms marked by rows of large vivid-red conical knobs on a cream-white to grey body, brown reticulated pattern on upper surface. One of the most photogenic sea stars of the Maldives and Indian Ocean. Lives on shallow sandy-seagrass bottoms. Locally threatened by decorative collection. Never lift out of the water (internal organs cannot tolerate air). Observe and leave in place.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Red-knobbed sea star?
- Red-knobbed sea star (Protoreaster lincki) reaches 20–30 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Red-knobbed sea star?
- Red-knobbed sea star is found between 1–60 m deep.
- Is the Red-knobbed sea star dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Red-knobbed sea star?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Red-knobbed sea star?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Other species in the genus Protoreaster
Other species in the family Oreasteridae
- Culcita novaeguineae - Cushion sea star
- Oreaster reticulatus - Red cushion sea star
- Culcita schmideliana - Pincushion sea star
- Choriaster granulatus - Granulated Starfish
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 213286)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5187275)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia