Echinaster arcystatus

Echinasteridae
Pale Mosaic Seastar
  • Echinaster arcystatus, Flinders Is, TAS, Photo: Andrew Green
    Echinaster arcystatus, Flinders Is, TAS, Photo: Andrew Green
  • Echinaster arcystatus, Photo: Rick Stuart-Smith
    Echinaster arcystatus, Photo: Rick Stuart-Smith
  • Echinaster arcystatus, Chain of Bays, SA, Photo: Andrew Green
    Echinaster arcystatus, Chain of Bays, SA, Photo: Andrew Green
  • Echinaster arcystatus, Wilsons Promontory, Vic, Photo: Andrew Green
    Echinaster arcystatus, Wilsons Promontory, Vic, Photo: Andrew Green
Distribution
Temperate Australasia
Description
Resembles Plectaster decanus, but grows to a larger size and has a paler, less distinctive network of small spines over the upper body surface, and arms that are rounder in cross-section and flabby. It is an uncommon species that feeds mainly on encrusting sponges and other sessile animals.
Information
  • Max Size: 36 cm
  • Sea Temperature Range: 12.4-22.2°C
  • Depth: 0-40m
  • Habitat: Rocky Reef
Rarity
  • IUCN Threat Status: Not Evaluated
  • Occurrence: Frequent (20% of sites)
    Occurrence describes how often the species is found on surveys within its distribution. It is calculated as the % of reef sites surveyed by RLS divers across all the ecoregions in which the species has been observed
  • Abundance: Solitary (1 per transect)
    Abundance is calculated as the average number of individuals recorded per RLS transect, where present.
Edit by: GJ Edgar. 2008. Australian Marine Life. New Holland, Sydney
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