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Evasterias troschelii (Mottled sea star)
Copyright ©
2005 Mary Jo Adams
This
sea star has five rays and commonly grows to about 12 inches in
diameter. Color is quite variable and its range includes gray, gray-green,
brown, and even reddish (but not bright purple). Its colors may
be mottled and are often rather drab. Don't confuse it with Pisaster
ochraceus (the purple sea star). Pisaster has a relatively
large central disk, thick rays, and is often bright purple or bright
orange. Evasterias has more slender rays and the disk is
smaller in proportion to the length of the rays. Moreover, Evasterias
likes the calmer waters of protected area, whereas Pisaster
prefers high-energy rocky beaches.
Evasterias
preys on mussels, barnacles, limpets, snails, and other invertebrates.
Watch
for Evasterias on floating docks and pilings and along
rocky or sandy beaches where you would find its prey species.
It lives in subtidal waters to a depth of 230 feet.
This page was created by Mary Jo Adams on 10/26/05.
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