Ochre Sea Star

Pisaster ochraceus

Ochre Sea Star

Pisaster ochraceus
Other Common Names
Purple sea star
Other Common Names
Purple sea star

At the Aquarium

Sandy Coast, Rocky Coast, Orford Reef

Appearance

  • 5 arms
  • Central disk makes up over ⅓ of its size
  • Rough textured, can be red, purple, brown, or orange
  • Size can change based on where they are: averaging 5.9 inches in California and 9.8 inches in Washington
  • Body color might change based on region
  • Mouth located at the center of its underside

Habitat

Rocky intertidal zones

Diet

Mussels, clams, barnacles

Life History

  • Free floating larvae
  • Adults are ready to mate at 5 years old
  • Growth is based on nutrition rather than age

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Eaten by sea stars and sun stars
Sitka Alaska to Baja Mexico
  • Regenerates: can regrow missing arms
  • If a detached arm includes part of the central disc, then the arm can regrow into a new star
  • Because they rely on their tubefeet (which fill with water to expand and contract) for movement, sea stars can only move if they are in water.

Citations & Other Resources

Hiebert, T. C., B. A., Butler, A. L., Shanks. 2016.Oregon Estuarine Invertebrates: Rudys’ Illustrated Guide to Common Species, 3rd Edition. University of Oregon Libraries and Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.