Species · GBIF taxon 7765831
Common Starfish
Asterias rubensAlso known as Common Sea Star, Sugar Starfish
Common starfish are highly adaptable marine predators that dominate rocky shores and gravelly seabed habitats across the north-east Atlantic. They use hundreds of tiny tube feet tipped with suction cups to pry open the shells of mussels and oysters before everting their own stomachs to digest the prey alive. These resilient echinoderms can also regenerate lost arms, a vital defense against predators like crabs and gulls.
MarineInvertebrateIntertidal
- diet
- Carnivorous, feeding primarily on mussels, oysters, clams, and other benthic invertebrates
- family
- Asteriidae
- threats
- Coastal pollution, ocean acidification, and marine heatwaves
- life Span
- 7 to 10 years
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Handle with care: If lifting a starfish in a tide pool, do so gently to avoid tearing its delicate tube feet.
- Keep submerged: Limit their time out of water to a few seconds, as they rely on water to breathe.
- Look for the madreporite: Spot the small, bright orange or yellow spot on the central disc used to filter water.