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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Seven-armed Starfish

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

On a sandy seabed, the Seven-armed Starfish draws attention with its elegant outline and seemingly endless arms. Often partly buried, it explores sediment in search of prey. This large hunter contributes to the balance of Mediterranean and Atlantic soft bottoms.

Habitat de Seven-armed Starfish Habitat
Sand
Profondeur de Seven-armed Starfish Depth
1-400 m
Groupe biologique de Seven-armed Starfish Group
Echinoderm
Rôle écologique de Seven-armed Starfish Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This starfish is recognisable by its slender outline and long, thin arms, generally seven in number. The central disc remains inconspicuous, giving a very elongated impression. Its colour ranges from yellowish brown to orange-grey depending on the individual and environmental conditions. Its surface is covered in small spines and fine granulations. Its arms can regenerate, sometimes resulting in individuals with varying numbers of arms.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It mainly lives on soft bottoms such as sand, mud or detrital areas. It can also occur on coarser substrates such as gravel or shell debris. It is present from coastal areas to considerable depths, depending on the region.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It is a carnivorous species feeding on animals living on or in sediment. It mainly captures molluscs, small echinoderms such as burrowing sea urchins, and various crustaceans. It acts as a predator in soft-bottom communities.

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