Ophidiaster ophidianus

(Lamarck, 1816)

Purple Sea Star

Range: Northern Atlantic Ocean: Mediterranean.

Size: 16 inches (40 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal waters and seen on sandy and rocky substrates.

Aquarium Suitability: Not collected for the home tropical aquarium trade.

Has a temperature range of 50 to 65°F (10 - 16°C).

Feeds on other invertebrates.

Best left in the wild.

Looks red in the photo, however, actually purplish.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Echinodermata

Class: Asteroidea

Order: Valvatida

Family: Ophidiasteridae

Genus: Ophidiaster

FYI: Shown here for identification only.