Vermillion Sea Star, Mediaster aequalis

Vermillion Sea Star, Mediaster aequalis

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Asteroidea

Orange Sea Pen, Ptilosarcus gurneyi

Habitat: Variety of substrates in low intertidal areas down to 503 metres.

Description: This five armed seastar is orange to red in colour and reaches 20 cm in diameter. The aboral surface is covered in flat-topped plates (ossicles).

Distribution: Alaska to northern Mexico

Fun Fact: Moving at up to 40 cm/minute, this seastar is fairly fast for its class. Learn more…

Photo credit: Karen Leask