Spiny Sunstar (Crossaster papposus)
Common name: spiny sea star
Scientific name: Crossaster papposus
Locations: shallow waters of the coast, attached to rocks, in cracks and crevices
Seasonality: available all year
Color: purple
Size: 8” - 10”
Collected: by hand
Quantity: sold by the each
Common name: spiny sea star
Scientific name: Crossaster papposus
Locations: shallow waters of the coast, attached to rocks, in cracks and crevices
Seasonality: available all year
Color: purple
Size: 8” - 10”
Collected: by hand
Quantity: sold by the each
Common name: spiny sea star
Scientific name: Crossaster papposus
Locations: shallow waters of the coast, attached to rocks, in cracks and crevices
Seasonality: available all year
Color: purple
Size: 8” - 10”
Collected: by hand
Quantity: sold by the each
Spiny sunstar laying on rockweed (Ascophyllum nodosum).
Tidepool Tim says, “These stars are found in subtidal and deep water, easily recognizable by their large disc connected to up to 14 arms. If you’re lucky, you might find one that’s a meter wide - one of the largest species on Earth! They’re robust predators after other stars, sea urchins, anemones, and bivalve molluscs, snails, and sea cukes. Like other stars, their stomach emerges from their body and onto their prey for digestion.”
