Starfish (Ochre Stars)

About

The ochre sea star, scientifically known as Pisaster ochraceus, is a vibrant marine species found along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to Mexico. It is characterized by its bright colors, which range from yellow, orange, and red to deep purples and pinks. These sea stars typically have five stout arms, covered with small, rough spines and lined with numerous tube feet, allowing them to move and feed effectively. Their diet consists mainly of mussels, clams, snails, barnacles, and sea urchins, making them crucial predators in maintaining marine diversity. As a keystone species, the ochre sea star plays a pivotal role in marine ecosystems by controlling mussel populations, which helps prevent these mussels from dominating rocky substrates and outcompeting other species. This predation allows for a diverse array of species to coexist in intertidal zones. Ochre sea stars can regrow lost arms and survive out of water for short periods. They reproduce through spawning, with females releasing millions of eggs into the water. Their lifespan ranges from four to 20 years, and they are preyed upon by sea otters and gulls. Despite facing threats like sea star wasting disease, they remain an iconic and ecologically significant species in the Pacific marine environment.