The spiny starfish is a large sea star. It typically reaches a span of around 12 inches, with a maximum size of up to 31 inches. The spiny starfish has 5 arms, each covered with several rows of large spines. Its dominant coloration varies greatly, ranging from grayish green to brown, but purple, yellow and orange specimens can also be found.
The spiny starfish is a large sea star that reaches a span of around 12 inches
The spiny starfish has a photosensitive tube foot, called an eyespot, at the tip of each arm.
Geographic range
The spiny starfish is found in the Atlantic ocean, the Mediterranean sea, the English Channel and the North sea.
Habitat
The spiny starfish is found from the surface to depths of more than 328 feet. It inhabits rocky seabeds and rocky crevices, where it shelters during the day.
Diet
The spiny starfish feeds mainly on mollusks and crustaceans, but also on the remains of dead animals. This sea star is particularly voracious and can cause significant damage.
The spiny starfish has light-sensitive tube feet at the tip of each arm
The spiny starfish shelters in rocky crevices during the day
Reproduction
The spiny starfish reproduces sexually. The female raises herself on her 5 arms to release her eggs into the seawater, where they are then fertilized by sperm released by the male.
Like other sea stars, the spiny starfish can also reproduce asexually, meaning that it is capable of regenerating all or part of its body.
Did you know ?
The spiny starfish can regenerate from a part of its body that it has voluntarily or involuntarily lost as a means of defense!
During this regeneration process, individuals with arms that are smaller than the others can be observed. In addition, abnormalities may occur following regeneration, such as the presence of an extra arm or the absence of an arm.
Tips for observing
Pay particular attention to rocky crevices when looking for spiny starfish resting inside !
Look closely among the rocky crevices and you may spot the spiny starfish
