Linckia laevigata
The diverse blue star is abundant in the shallow reef waters off Taiwan. What is interesting is that its color can vary from blue to orange, green, and gray. As such, people often think these color morphs are different species but, in fact, they are all the same species. Blue and green are the more common colors. Sometimes, its body stretches to resemble the palm of a hand, so in Chinese its common name is “blue finger sea star.” This sea star often clings to reef rocks and feeds on small invertebrates attached to the rocks. Below, I share some of my thoughts about the diverse blue star:
<Polymorphism – The diverse blue star>
Resembling a blue glove that has fallen onto the seabed,
this is a large common sea star.
Its arms and body are indistinguishable.
Within the arms are internal organs.
The arms are its body.
Blue, orange, gray, and green are its color morphs.
Charles Darwin said
variation is precautionary.
Mutants are the forerunners.
Are mutants really prophets?
Blue is the blue of the sea today.
What about the sea tomorrow?
Why gray, orange, and green?
The tide ebbs and flows.
Scientists cannot find the answer.
The sea remains silent on this.
