Home > Invertebrates > Sea Stars > Astropecten armatus

Updated 12/3/2012

Family Astropectinidae

TROPICAL EASTERN PACIFIC

Astropecten armatus

Rock Quarry, Catalina, California, 25 feet

SOUTHERN SPINY SAND STAR

Buried in sand at any depth.  Feeds primarily upon olive snails.  Large aboral plates with prominent spines in comparison to Astropecten verrilli.  Attains 6 inches.  San Pedro south to Ecuador.