Iconaster longimanus - The Icon Star
Also known as Double Sea star, and Iconic star, Iconaster longimanus (Valvatida - Goniasteridae) is one of the most beautiful starfish you can find in the west and central Indo-Pacific Ocean.
This strikingly patterned species has long, thin arms and a flat disk. Like other starfish in Goniasteridae family, Iconaster longimanus has a characteristic double range of marginal plates bordering the disk and arms, that protect the starfish and give it a rigid feel. The plates may be pale or dark and form unique patterns on each individual.Â
The aboral surface of the central disk (body) has plates arranged in tessellated manner that form a five-pointed star, hence its common name, Double Sea Star.
References: [1] - [2] - [3]
Photo credit: ©Divaholic
Locality: unknown
