Species · GBIF taxon 2274565
Sunflower Sea Star
Pycnopodia helianthoidesAlso known as Sunflower Star, Multi-rayed Starfish
Sunflower sea stars are formidable marine predators that glide rapidly across the seafloor on thousands of specialized tube feet. They begin life with just five arms, growing up to twenty-four limbs as they mature into one of the largest and heaviest sea stars on Earth. Their soft, flexible bodies allow them to squeeze into rocky crevices, where they play a vital role in maintaining kelp forest ecosystems by keeping sea urchin populations in check.
MarinePredatoryKelp Forest
- diet
- Carnivorous predator feeding on urchins, clams, snails, and crabs
- family
- Asteriidae
- threats
- Sea star wasting disease, warming ocean temperatures, and habitat degradation
- life Span
- Up to 65 years
CR
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Decimated by a catastrophic outbreak of sea star wasting disease linked to warming oceans, this species is now critically endangered.
Never touch, move, or remove these animals from the water, and report any sightings to marine conservation databases.- Look from above: Observe these giants in deep tide pools or from docks without touching their delicate skin.
- Report sightings: Document any healthy individuals to help researchers track population recovery efforts.
- Avoid handling: Leaving them submerged prevents stress and protects their fragile water vascular system.