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Pisaster ochraceus (Purple sea star)
Copyright ©
2005 Mary Jo Adams
Pisaster
ochraceus is a large sea
star that can grow to a diameter of 20 inches. Its rays can
be described as thick or stout. Small white spines sometimes
form a star shape on the relatively large central disk. Color
of this species is generally purple, dark brown, or yellow-orange.
This sea star prefers a diet of mussels and barnacles but
also feeds on snails, limpets, and chitons. It is found from
the mid and low intertidal zones to a depth of over 300 feet and
has a preference for higher energy beaches. Look for it in surge
channels, on rocks, and on pilings. In the cold waters
of the Puget Sound area Pisaster ochraceus moves into
deeper water during winter and does not feed. Another common
name for this species is ochre sea star.
This page was created by Mary Jo Adams on 12/6/05.
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