Blue linckia sea stars off New Ireland in Papua New Guinea
© Jurgen Freund/Minden Picture
How sweet to be a star, floating in the blue. Blue linckia sea stars in Papua New Guinea
In shallow areas of the tropical Indo-Pacific, you'll come across the blue linckia sea star. Oftentimes it's found anchored to or hiding under rocks. This duo was spotted near the coast of New Ireland, an island in Papua New Guinea. Even though 'blue' is in the name, this species of sea star has also been observed in purple, pink, or orange. The vibrant colors make the linckia popular in the seashell trade, unfortunately, and intensive poaching has diminished their populations. But new research could lead to calls for their protection: Scientists have studied potential anti-tumor and antibacterial properties inherent to the blue linckia.
Related Images
Oyster farm offshore from Notojima Island, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan
Dr. Sylvia Earle explores Australia's Great Barrier Reef in a scene from 'Mission Blue'
Divers at El Pit cenote, located in Sistema Dos Ojos, Quintana Roo, Mexico
A fin whale in the waters off the Azores
Emperor penguins in the Ross Sea, Antarctica
Blue shark near the Azores in the North Atlantic Ocean
Sperm whale mother and albino baby swimming off the coast of Portugal
Manatees in the Ichetucknee River in Florida
Bing Today Images
Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering, Nebraska
Aug 31, 2025
Saguaro cacti, Ironwood National Monument, Arizona
Aug 31, 2023
Đurđevića Tara Bridge in Montenegro
Aug 31, 2021
Close-up on a lawn bowling game
Aug 31, 2018
Moray Inca ruins near Maras, Peru
Aug 31, 2016
