Spiny Starfish - Marthasterias glacialis

Characteristics:

This is our largest starfish, reaching a diameter of impressing 70 cm. The central disk is relatively small. On the tip of each arm approximately eight purple spines produce a flower like formation. The arms are covered by large, white spines. Each spine is surrounded by a white cushion. and the longitudinal rows of spines and cushions form a very distinct profile. The coloration varies from pale brown to yellow or orange.

Habitat:

It thrives on all kind of substrates, from the subtidal zone and down to 200 meters.

Distribution:

The spine starfish is registered widespread over the Atlantic Ocean, on both hemispheres.