Phylum: Echinodermata

Class: Asteroida

Order: Spinulosida

Family: Echinasteridae

Scientific name: Henricia sanguinolenta

 

Norwegian: blodsjøstjerne

(Matkollen - Vestfold / 9 meters / 9.26.2004)

Distribution: Common on all diveable depths and on a variety of substrates along the entire Norwegian coast.

Characteristics: This is a small rigid starfish with a sandpapery surface. Purple is the most common color. It may be confused with H. oculata but differs by the fact that the spines end in a cluster of long spikes, not covered by skin. The spines of H. oculata end short points covered by thick skin.

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