Leach’s Sea Star – Leiaster leachi

The Leach’s Sea Star, scientifically known as Leiaster leachi, is a fascinating marine invertebrate found in various oceanic environments. It is a species of starfish belonging to the family Ophidiasteridae, characterized by its distinctive features and ecological role.

Description & Characteristics

Leiaster leachi is a relatively large starfish, with adults typically reaching a maximum size of around 15 centimeters in diameter. Its body, like that of other starfish, is star-shaped with five arms radiating from a central disc. The arms are covered in numerous small spines, giving the sea star a rough texture. The color of Leiaster leachi can vary, ranging from light brown to reddish-brown, often with a mottled or blotched appearance.

Habitat and Occurrence

Leiaster leachi is a common inhabitant of the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones of the oceans. This means it can be found in the area below the low tide mark, extending down to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters depth. It is particularly prevalent in the neritic zone, which refers to the shallow waters above the continental shelf. Leiaster leachi can be encountered in various habitats within these zones, including rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and seagrass meadows.

Taxonomy

Leiaster leachi is classified within the Class: Asteroidea, which encompasses all starfish. It belongs to the Order: Valvatida, a group of starfish that are typically characterized by their five-armed bodies and well-developed tube feet. Finally, Leiaster leachi is a member of the Family: Ophidiasteridae, a family of starfish that is known for its diverse array of species and ecological importance in marine ecosystems.

Feeding

Leiaster leachi is a carnivore, primarily feeding on a variety of crustaceans. Its diet includes small crabs, shrimp, barnacles, and other invertebrates. It is also a suspension feeder, meaning it can filter small particles of food from the water column using its specialized tube feet. This opportunistic feeding strategy allows Leiaster leachi to thrive in diverse environments and contribute to the overall health of the marine ecosystems it inhabits.