Phylum: Echinodermata

Class: Asteroida

Order: Spinulosida

Family: Echinasteridae

Scientific name: Henricia spp.

 

Norwegian: blodsjøstjerne

(Børsabergan - The Trondheim fjord / 19 meters / 10.06.2001)

Distribution: The distribution is uncertain as positive identification is difficult, even impossible from pictures alone. The most common species in Norwegian waters are H. sanguinolenta, H. pertusa and H. perforata.

Characteristics: These are relative small sea stars (diameter usually less than 12 cm) with five arms. The coloration varies from white to orange, pink or red. Some have beautiful color patterns, like the one to the left. Identifications from pictures alone are highly uncertain.

All pictures: