How big is the Common starfish?

Common starfish (Asterias rubens) reaches 10–50 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Common starfish?

Common starfish is found between 0–650 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Common starfish?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Common starfish (Asterias rubens)

Key facts

Scientific name: Asterias rubens
Common name: Common starfish
Category: Echinoderms
Family: Asteriidae
Genus: Asterias
Size: 10–50 cm
Depth: 0–650 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky, sand
Behaviours: predator, solitary
Ocean zones: East Atlantic

Description

Asterias rubens reaches 50 cm across. Massive sea star with 5 robust arms, red-orange to yellow, sometimes purple. Boreal cousin of Marthasterias glacialis. Active predator of mussel beds, which it attacks by opening the valves through steady traction, then everting its stomach into the shell. Can devastate cultured mussel beds. Common on all European Atlantic coasts from Norway to Portugal, from 0 to 650 m. Regenerates severed arms.

Photo of Common starfish

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Common starfish?: Common starfish (Asterias rubens) reaches 10–50 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Common starfish?: Common starfish is found between 0–650 m deep.
Is the Common starfish dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Common starfish?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Common starfish?: Found in: East Atlantic.

Other species in the family Asteriidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 123776)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 7765831)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia