Pisaster ochraceus

(Brandt, 1835)

Vernacular names
English : Purple sea star
French : Etoile de mer pourpre

Classification
Class : Asteroidea
Order : Forcipulatida
Family : Asteriidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach an armspan of more than 25 cm. Arms are thick and have blunt round ends. Skin texture looks soft and slightly warty. Coloration variable but usually dark pink to purple or red.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in eastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to Baja California (Mexico). Lives in rocky shores, mussel beds, areas washed with waves, down to 90 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 is considered to be a keystone species.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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