ClassificationKingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Echinodermata Class - Asteroidea Order - Forcipulatida Family - Asteriidae Genus - Pycnopodia Species - P. helianthoides Common NameSunflower sea star
MorphologySunflower sea stars can grow to have an arm span of 3.3 ft in diameter. Their color ranges from bright orange, yellow and red to brown and sometimes to purple, with soft, velvet-textured bodies and 16 to 24 arms with powerful suckers. Most sea star species have a mesh-like skeleton to protect their internal organs.
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Importance - Ecological and Economical
The Sunflower sea star regulates the structure of the benthic community. This species is viewed by many commercial fishers as a pest. The results of the Sunflower sea star's predacious behavior fouls long-line gear and crab pots.
Interesting Facts
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