Comments : Sunflower Stars are very common in northwest waters. These stars
are the largest in the world, and I believe they are also the fastest. When
a Sunflower Star puts it in high gear, you can actually see it move across
the bottom at a fair clip. Sunflower Stars can grow well over 30 inches in
diameter, and usually have 20 to 22 arms. To the touch, they feel like a
sponge covered in Velcro. If you look closely at a Sunflower Star, you will
note a kaleidascope of colors - orange, red, purple, green, and white are
often presents. These veracious predators often feed on clams. At Three
Tree Point, where the bottom is soft, we often witness large Sunflower Star
excavating a hole in an attempt to unearth a clam. When threatened, these
stars can drop an arm in hopes of appeasing the predator. The arm will
later re-grow. The only Sunflower Star predator I know of is the Morning
Sun Star.
Common name : Sunflower Star
Scientific Name : Pycnapodia helianthoides
Location Found : KVI Tower Reef, Central Puget Sound
Actual Size : 30 inches
Camera Used : Sea & Sea MMII EX w 20 mm lens
Natural History :