How big is the Red sea star?

Red sea star (Echinaster sepositus) reaches 10–30 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Red sea star?

Red sea star is found between 1–250 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Red sea star?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Red sea star?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Red sea star (Echinaster sepositus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Echinaster sepositus
Common name: Red sea star
Category: Echinoderms
Family: Echinasteridae
Genus: Echinaster
Size: 10–30 cm
Depth: 1–250 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky-reef, seagrass
Behaviours: benthic, predator
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Echinaster sepositus reaches 30 cm. Mediterranean and temperate East Atlantic sea star with body of 5 very elongated thin arms (cylindrical) with scattered papulae, characteristic uniform vivid red color (hence red sea star), sometimes orange or purple. Lives from 1 to 250 m on rocky bottoms, seagrass and coralligenous of Mediterranean. Opportunistic carnivore feeding on sponges, hydroids, ascidians and detritus. Capable of regenerating complete arms. Iconic photo subject of Med dives for its bright red and graceful silhouette.

Photo of Red sea star

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Red sea star?: Red sea star (Echinaster sepositus) reaches 10–30 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Red sea star?: Red sea star is found between 1–250 m deep.
Is the Red sea star dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Red sea star?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Red sea star?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 241001)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2273623)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia