How big is the Purple sea star?

Purple sea star (Ophidiaster ophidianus) reaches 15–30 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Purple sea star?

Purple sea star is found between 10–100 m deep.

Where can you find the Purple sea star?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Purple sea star (Ophidiaster ophidianus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Ophidiaster ophidianus
Common name: Purple sea star
Category: Echinoderms
Family: Ophidiasteridae
Genus: Ophidiaster
Size: 15–30 cm
Depth: 10–100 m
IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky, reef
Behaviours: solitary, slow
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Ophidiaster ophidianus reaches 30 cm. Sea star with 5 long, cylindrical and smooth arms of almost serpentine aspect, vivid red to purple. Lives on rocky and coralligenous Mediterranean bottoms between 10 and 100 m. Populations in marked decline in the Mediterranean due to collection for decoration and coralligenous habitat degradation. IUCN Vulnerable. Never collect.

Photo of Purple sea star

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Purple sea star?: Purple sea star (Ophidiaster ophidianus) reaches 15–30 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Purple sea star?: Purple sea star is found between 10–100 m deep.
Is the Purple sea star dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Purple sea star?: IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
Where can you find the Purple sea star?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Ophidiasteridae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 124101)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2272634)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia