Summary ²

The bat star (Asterina miniata) is a medium sea star, up to 25 cm (10 in) across. Very distinctive, 5 short and stout arms with a depression between each. Exists in blue, green, brown, red and mottled variations. Intertidal to 300 m, especially prolific in shallow bays. Found along the west coast of North America, from south Alaska to north Mexico (especially common on the west coast of Vancouver Island). Herbivorous.

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY), http://www.flickr.com/photos/57556735@N08/7299175788
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/Patiria_miniata

More Info

• iNat taxon page
• Animal Diversity Web
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• CalPhotos
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• NatureServe Explorer 2.0
• SeaLifeBase
• World Register of Marine Species

iNat Map