Over the years, various authorities have discussed the phylogenetic relationships of L. epichlora, L. aequalis and L. hexactis, all species of Leptasterias found in the north west Pacific Ocean.

[1] Leptasterias hexactis is a rather squat starfish growing to a diameter of about 5 centimetres (2.0 in) with 6 short, broad arms.

The oral (under) surface is a pale colour with parallel rows of tube feet with suckers extending along the arms.

It favours exposed locations battered by surf and may be found at low tide under boulders and hiding among seaweed on the lower shore.

[4] Leptasterias hexactis is a carnivore and is able to attack and capture surprisingly large prey items with high nutritional content.

[4] She is unable to eat at this time and clings to the rock as best she can with the remaining tube feet though it may only be the tips of the arms that are available to hold her in place.