Patiria miniata

(Brandt, 1835)

Vernacular names
English : Bat star
French : Etoile chauve-souris

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

Identification
Adults can reach more than 10 cm in diameter. It usually has 5 arms (rarely up to 9 arms) triangular in shape and quite short. Coloration variable, from reddish-orange to violet with white mottling. Webbing visible between arms.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in eastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to Baja California (Mexico). Commoner around Central California and Monterey Bay. Lives in intertidal zone, over all kinds of substrates, down to 79 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species seems to be locally common to very common within its large range. It doesn’t face any threats at present.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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