Name: Sunflower sea-star
Scientific Name: Pycnopodia helianthoides (Brandt, 1835)
Family: Asteriidae
Group: Sea-stars, sea-urchins and sea-cucumbers
Class: Invertebrates
Size: 26-50 cm.
This is one of the largest and fastest sea-stars, able to move 50 cm in under one minute. Juveniles have only 5 arms, but get between 20 and 24 by the time they reach adulthood. The arms host more than 15.000 tubular shaped feet, which exert a phenomenal power. In some areas of the United Stated these sea-stars are called "sea pigs" because they are so voracious.
Photo by:
Keoki Stender (www.marinelifephotography.com)
Oceanário Location
Giant Pacific Octopus
