Distribution: L. ciliaris has been observed along the
west coast of Norway, as far north as Møre.
It prefers sand or gravel, on depths from 4 to 400 meters. This predator
feeds on other echinoderms, especially
brittle stars and other sea stars.
Characteristics: This seven armed sea star may reach a diameter of
60 cm. This is significantly bigger than the more common, five armed
version, Luidia sarsi. The arms have a soft, velvet-like texture.
The color is orange or brown. A band of long, white spines are running
along each side of the arms.
All pictures:
(Hellesøy -
Hordaland / 23
meters / 7.09.2005)
Phylum:
Echinodermata
Class:
Asteroida
Order:
Paxillocida
Family:
Luidiidae
Scientific name:
Luidia ciliaris
Norwegian:
syvarmet sjørstjerne
