Linckia | |
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Linckia multifora | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Echinodermata |
Class: | Asteroidea |
Order: | Valvatida |
Family: | Ophidiasteridae |
Genus: |
Linckia Nardo, 1834 |
Linckia is a genus of sea stars found mainly in the Indo-Pacific region. They are known to be creatures with remarkable regenerative abilities, and capable of defensive autotomy against predators. They reproduce asexually.
The genus is named after the German naturalist Johann Heinrich Linck (1674–1734).
Five groups within Linckia have been clearly genetically differentiated - L. columbiae, L. bouvieri, two clades within L. guildingi, and one clade with two subclades consisting of both L. laevigata and L. multifora . A list of species of Linckia:
Some sources also give :