Vermilion star • Mediaster aequalis
{aequalis = equal, a reference to the five evenly-shaped arms}
Photo by Jenn Burt
Identification
The vermilion star has five rays and is usually a beautiful vermilion colour on top (occasionally more orange) and a lighter orange beneath. It gets to 20 cm across.
Habitat & Range
This sea star is found in a variety of habitats - often rocky areas - from the low intertidal to a depth of 500 m. Its range extends from northern Alaska to northern Mexico.
Similar Species
The gunpower star (Gephyreaster swifti) and Pseudarchaster alascensis are similar in shape but a paler reddish-orange colour. The gunpowder star gets to 42 cm across, and P. alascensis has narrower arms and a smaller central disc. Further identification details that can help distinguish the vermilion star can be found on the E-Flora species page.
Intriguing Info
The vermilion star feeds on bryozoans, sponges, and sea pens, as well as detritus. Its diet varies with habitat and season.
The vermilion star has five rays and is usually a beautiful vermilion colour on top (occasionally more orange) and a lighter orange beneath. It gets to 20 cm across.
Habitat & Range
This sea star is found in a variety of habitats - often rocky areas - from the low intertidal to a depth of 500 m. Its range extends from northern Alaska to northern Mexico.
Similar Species
The gunpower star (Gephyreaster swifti) and Pseudarchaster alascensis are similar in shape but a paler reddish-orange colour. The gunpowder star gets to 42 cm across, and P. alascensis has narrower arms and a smaller central disc. Further identification details that can help distinguish the vermilion star can be found on the E-Flora species page.
Intriguing Info
The vermilion star feeds on bryozoans, sponges, and sea pens, as well as detritus. Its diet varies with habitat and season.
References
Cowles, D. (2005). Mediaster aequalis Stimpson, 1857. Invertebrates of the Salish Sea. Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory. Accessed 06/02/2014.
Harbo, R. M. (2011). Whelks to whales: Coastal marine life of the Pacific Northwest [revised]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P. 172.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Lambert, P. Mediaster aequalis Stimpson, 1857. ] In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Ed.) E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Fauna of British Columbia. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Accessed 06/02/2015.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell and Brian Starzomski (2015).
Cowles, D. (2005). Mediaster aequalis Stimpson, 1857. Invertebrates of the Salish Sea. Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory. Accessed 06/02/2014.
Harbo, R. M. (2011). Whelks to whales: Coastal marine life of the Pacific Northwest [revised]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P. 172.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Lambert, P. Mediaster aequalis Stimpson, 1857. ] In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Ed.) E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Fauna of British Columbia. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Accessed 06/02/2015.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell and Brian Starzomski (2015).
