Crossaster papposus

(Linnaeus, 1767)

Vernacular names
English : Common sunstar
French : Crachat d’amiral

Classification
Class : Asteroidea
Order : Valvatida
Family : Solasteridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species reaches a diameter of 40 cm. Dorsal side looks like a flattened disk with 8 to 16 short and blunt arms. The whole dorsal surface is covered with small spiny papillae. Global coloration from bright red to pink or orange.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Arctic Ocean and south to north European and north American coasts of Atlantic Ocean, and north-American coasts of Pacific ocean. Lives in all kinds of bottoms in cold waters (from 8 to 15°C), down to 2000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species’ huge range and wide variety of habitats is no cause for concern but global warming effects are yet to be studied on this species.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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