Paranepanthia grandis

Grand seastar
Paranepanthia grandis
Paranepanthia grandis, Hobart, TAS, Photo: Graham Edgar
Paranepanthia grandis
Paranepanthia grandis, Hobart, TAS, Photo: Graham Edgar
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Paranepanthia grandis
Paranepanthia grandis

Distribution

Temperate Australasia


Description

Common throughout most of its geographic range but is rarely seen because it remains hidden during the day under rocks and in crevices. The most noticeable feature is arms that are distinctly webbed. The species is brightly coloured pink or orange and, while sometimes blotched, usually lacks an obvious pattern.


Information

Max Size: 14 cm

Sea Temperature Range: 10.5-20.5°C

Depth: 0-40m

Habitat Generalization Index: N/A

Also referred to as the SGI (Species Generalisation Index), this describes the habitat niche breadth of the species. Species with values less than 15 are found in a relatively narrow range of reef habitat types (specialists), while those over 25 may be found on most hard substrates within their range (generalists). Learn more here.


Conservation and Rarity

IUCN Status: Not Evaluated

Occurrence: Infrequent (2.3% 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