Tag: echinaster sepositus

Purple star

Scientific name: Ophidiaster ophidianus

It is a large starfish that can reach 40cm in width. It always has five arms with very soft and smooth grainy skin. It feeds on small invertebrates although it prefers shellfish. It lives on rocky bottoms with scarce lighting up to 100 meters deep.

Curiosities 

This star is protected by international legislation. Its main threat is collection for sale for decorative purposes.

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Mediterranean red sea star

Scientific name: Echinaster sepositus

Red sea Star has five arms on the underside of which it has several rows of tube feet, which it uses to move around and to hold food. It also has short spines that are covered by the skin. It is found on rocky bottoms and Posidonia meadows. Feeds mostly on sponges and worms.

Curiosities 

They have regenerative capacity which allows them to develop a new arm if they lose it.

Discover more marine species in our section Species we see, and
if you are interested in the world of fish you have a lot of information in FishBase.