Phylum: Echinodermata

Class: Asteroida

Order: Spinulosida

Family: Solasteridae

Scientific name: Crossaster papposus

 

Norwegian: rød solstjerne

(Stord - Hordaland / 8 meters / 2.11.2004)

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Distribution: It is usually found on depths between 10 and 50 meters. It seems to prefer rocky or sandy substrate. It is common along the entire Norwegian coast.

Characteristics: Like the purple sun star, this sea star has more than the usual 5 arms. Usually it has 12 arms, sometimes as many as 16 or as few as 8. It can only be confused with a specie existing only in Finnmark. It can reach a diameter of 34 cm. The color is usually red with light ribbons on the arms.

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