Pisaster brevispinus

The Pink Sea Star

Phylum Echinodermata
Class Asteroidea
Order Forcipulatida
Suborder Asteriadina
Family Asteriidae
Genus Pisaster
Species brevispinus

Description: 50 to 70 cm radius; pink to lavender in color with short spines; soft and smooth appearance; slimy and prickly to touch.

Habitat: More commonly found in subtidal areas of mud and sand, this sea star is also seen on floats and pilings.

Natural History: It preys upon sand dollars, tube-dwelling polychaetes, mussels and other bivalve molluscs. It feeds by either digging into the substrate and pulling up clams or by extending its stomach over its prey and digesting it. It can not tolerate exposure to the air for long periods.