Summary ²

The sunflower star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) is the largest sea star in the Pacific Northwest, up to 1 m (39 in) across. Usually has 16-24 long, flexible arms from a broad central disc. Colour varies widely, from bright orange to purplish. Ranges from north Alaska to north Mexico. Intertidal to 314 m depth.Predatory, feeding mostly on sea urchins, clams, snails, and other small invertebrates.

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Steven W. Calvert, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Steven W. Calvert
2. Adapted by Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pycnopodia_helianthoides

More Info

• iNat taxon page
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