Eleven-Arm Seastar

Coscinasterias muricata

Coscinasterias muricata - Eleven-Arm Seastar
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Size: 50 cm

Distribution: All SA coastal and gulf waters

Habitat: On and under rocks, jetty pylons, and on sand

Depth: Lower intertidal to 10+ metres

Coscinasterias muricata - Eleven-Arm Seastar
Coscinasterias muricata - Eleven-Arm Seastar
Coscinasterias muricata - Eleven-Arm Seastar
Coscinasterias muricata - Eleven-Arm Seastar
Coscinasterias muricata - Eleven-Arm Seastar

The eleven-arm sea star is the largest sea star found in southern Australia. As the name suggests, it usually has eleven arms, but can have as many as 13-14, or as few as 7. This sea star is fissiparous, and can reproduce by splitting in two. It can be found on and under rocks, as well as on jetty piles and on the sea floor, and can be recognised by its large size, number of arms and its large spines.