Reproduction and Development

Although the exact method of reproduction employed by N.cumingi is unknown, starfish are known to be able to reproduce both sexually and asexually (Ruppert et al. 2004).

Sexual Reproduction and Development

Some species within the order Valvatida have been shown to be gonochoric, as are most asteroids, and others have been shown to be hermaphroditic. A study undertaken by Naughton and O’Hara (2009) demonstrated the ability of some species in the family Goniasteridae, to which N.cumingi belongs, to reproduce sexually. In this experiment it was noted that  N.cumingi were able to release gametes from their gonopore on either their oral or aboral surface, and to produce either larvae which were either non-feeding, non-swimming brachiolaria or non-feeding, swimming brachiolaria respectively. Those brachiolaria, which were non-swimming, did not possess a ciliary cover, necessary for movement and feeding, unlikethose larvae which were free swimming which moved by ciliary action. Lecithotrophic development was demonstrated by the larvae that were non swimming, meaning they possessed the nutrients necessary for development within their reserves (Ruppert et al. 2004). This study demonstrated that even within one type of reproduction, within one family, variation in reproductive strategy exists.  Furthermore, individual species such as Asterina gibbosa within the Order Valvatida, have been shown to be hermaphroditic (Ruppert et al. 2004).

Asexual Reproduction and Regeneration

Starfish have the ability to regenerate lost or damaged arms. This regeneration ability can extend as far as allowing the individual to regenerate four fifths of its body, if this section is lost (Ruppert et al. 2004). This is only possible if the madreporite is included in the fragmented section (Ruppert et al. 2004). This regeneration capacity extends to become reproductive in somespecies within the order Valvatida which have been shown to demonstrate autotomy (Lambert 2000). Linckia columbiae is able to drop an arm and produce a completely new individual from each arm dropped (Lambert 2000).