(Selva - The Trondheim fjord / 3 metes / 1.19.2008)

Distribution: The Northern sea star is common along the entire Norwegian coast. It is most frequent under boulders and in pools in shallow water, but has been registered as deep as 800 meters.

Characteristics: It can be difficult to distinguish from a juvenile spiny starfish. It is less than 6 cm across. The color is usually green, pink or violet. The green form is most common in shallow water. On small individuals the spines are often organized in lines along the arms. In larger individuals they may be somewhat scattered.

All pictures:

Phylum: Echinodermata

Class: Asteroida

Order: Forcipulata

Family: Asteriidae

Scientific name: Leptasterias muelleri

 

Norwegian: lite korstroll