Leptasterias hexactis is a species of starfish in the family Asteriidae, commonly known as the six-rayed star. It is found in the intertidal zone of the western seaboard of the United States. It is a predator and is unusual among starfish in that it broods its eggs and young.

Taxonomy Leptasterias hexactis forms part of a species complex. 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 east Pacific Ocean. The authorities were Bush (1918), Fisher (1930), Chia (1966), Kwast (1990) and Stickle (1992). More recent morphological and behavioural studies have resulted, according to the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) in the retention of a single species, L. hexactis, with the other two being considered synonyms. WoRMS now recognizes three subspecies, L. hexactis hexactis (Stimpson, 1862) L. hexactis occidentalis Djakonov, 1938 and L. hexactis vancouveri (Perrier, 1875).

Description Leptasterias hexactis is a rather squat starfish growing to a diameter of about 5 centimetres (2.0 in) with 6 short, broad arms. These are about as long as the disc is wide.