Red Starfish

Distribution : Mediterranean · Atlantic Ocean

Marine region

“Travailleur” was one of the vessels exploring the little-known depths of the Mediterranean in the late nineteenth century. On 4 July 1881, a red starfish was recorded among the animals collected during an expedition in the Gulf of Lion. Its museum record in Paris connects this animal to a particular episode in the history of French maritime exploration.

Habitat

Sand, Seagrass meadow, Rocky habitat

Depth

1-60 m

Group

Role

Predator

Average size

15 cm

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The red starfish (Echinaster sepositus) usually has five long arms with rounded cross-sections. Colour is bright red to orange-red.

The upper surface carries many small irregular projections, scattered bumps rather than regular rows. Arm number can differ in some individuals.

GO FURTHER WITH AMIGANSEAU

Unlock the full profile

Deepen your knowledge with the exclusive chapters and interactive resources included in an AMIGANSEAU licence.

Choose my licence

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
HOW DOES IT REPRODUCE?
OUR OBSERVATIONS
ARTICLE

Also included in the full profile

Advanced navigation between description, ecological context, observations and behaviour
Interactive food chain to explore the species’ feeding relationships
Infographic and illustrated summary profile
Additional photographic observations

An active licence gives access to enriched profiles and AMIGANSEAU exploration tools.