How big is the Spiny sea star?

Spiny sea star (Marthasterias glacialis) reaches 25–45 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Spiny sea star?

Spiny sea star is found between 0–180 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Spiny sea star?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Spiny sea star?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Spiny sea star (Marthasterias glacialis)

Key facts

Scientific name: Marthasterias glacialis
Common name: Spiny sea star
Category: Echinoderms
Family: Asteriidae
Genus: Marthasterias
Size: 25–45 cm
Depth: 0–180 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky, sand
Behaviours: predator, nocturnal
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Marthasterias glacialis reaches 45 cm across. Five robust arms covered with sharp white tubercles on a brown-violet background. Active predator: grips a mussel or urchin, everts its stomach through the prey to digest it in place. Plays an important role in bivalve population dynamics. Common from Norway to Cape Verde, from the shore down to 180 m.

Photo of Spiny sea star

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Spiny sea star?: Spiny sea star (Marthasterias glacialis) reaches 25–45 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Spiny sea star?: Spiny sea star is found between 0–180 m deep.
Is the Spiny sea star dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Spiny sea star?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Spiny sea star?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Asteriidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 123803)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2274204)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia