Spiny Starfish

Habitat
Found from extreme low water to about 200m. It can be found in a variety of habitats from sheltered muddy sites to wave exposed rock faces. This starfish is recorded from the South West and West coast of England and the West coast of Scotland.
Zoo Diet
At Living Coasts the starfish are fed once a day on mussel meat, sometimes still in the shell for enrichment.
Wild Diet
Smaller individuals feed on algae and small gastropods, with larger starfish able to eat bivalves and carrion.
Behaviour
Spiny starfish spend their time foraging on the seabed, they are very active predators.
Breeding
In Ireland, groups of males and females have been recorded in shallow water in July and August. This is thought to be to spawn. Fertilisation is external, with eggs and sperm being released into the sea.
Threats
No current threats are known.
Conservation
There is no current conservation work for this species.

INFORMATION
- Latin Name: Marthasterias glacialis
- Order: Forcipulatida
- Family: Asteriidae
- Conservation Status: Data Deficient



BE THE FIRST TO KNOW!
If you'd like to stay informed of new products, events and special offers then please join our mailing lists.
