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Sunflower Star or the Twenty-Rayed Star

Pycnopdia helianthoides

Frequenting regions rich in seaweeds, the sunflower star can be found in the intertidal and subtidal zones from Alaska to San Diego (although uncommon south of Carmel Bay in Monterey County). With an arm radius of over 15 inches (40 cm.) or more, these soft flexible creatures bear up to 24 arms in adults, and 5 arms in juveniles. Usually pink, purplish, or brown, they can also be found in red, orange, or yellow.

This impressive animal is the largest, heaviest, and most active of the Pacific coast sea stars; a large sunflower star can bring over 1500 sucker feet into action against a struggling fish or crab. Sea urchins and mussels are the sunflower star's favorite foods. They usually swallow their food whole and digest it internally, even though they can partially evert their stomachs. In Monterey Bay, this star feeds seasonally on dead or dying squid.

For a different, and much slower star fish, try taking a look at the batstar.

Last modified: May 19, 1997 by Marti
Comments, complaints, compliments -- marti@cse.ucsc.edu