10 extraordinary Starfish that redefine ocean beauty
One of the most intriguing organisms in the ocean is undoubtedly the starfish. Also referred to as sea stars, these organisms range in staggering numbers of around 2,000 species, which vary greatly in terms of shape, colour, and size, with some measuring several feet in diameter. Every one of these organisms plays a crucial role in sustaining life in the ocean.
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Midgardia xandaros
Midgardia xandaros is probably the largest starfish that has been discovered, and its arms reach over four feet across. But in this huge starfish, its center is remarkably small. This deep-sea starfish is able to use its long spine arms to snatch particles of food that are floating by.
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Sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides)
The sunflower sea star is one of the largest and fastest starfish, sporting up to 24 arms and reaching nearly 1 m across. It hunts sea urchins, clams, and molluscs with incredible speed across the seafloor, helping balance kelp forest ecosystems. Currently listed as critically endangered.
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Protoreaster nodosus
Often likened to a cookie, Protoreaster nodosus showcases dark conical “chips” on its surface. Found in Indo-Pacific reefs, its striking pattern isn’t just eye-catching, the horns deter predators. This species also contributes to reef biodiversity by providing small creatures shelter among its knobs.
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Protoreaster lincki
The African red knob sea star has brilliant red tubercles on its arms that form a striking grid pattern on a drab background. Indigenous to the western side of the Indian Ocean, this sea star’s striking colouring enhances a coral reef with a splash of colour that excites marine biologists.
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Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci)
This iconic species has up to 21 toxic spines, radiating from a central disc. Although beautiful, its coral-eating habits can devastate reef structures when populations boom. Its striking spiny form is both feared and admired for its ecological impact.
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Blue starfish (Linckia laevigata)
Found in shallow Indo-Pacific reefs, the blue starfish glows with a vivid cerulean hue that contrasts dramatically with coral landscapes. This scavenger’s colouration, which ranges to greens or pinks, makes it one of the ocean’s most photographed sea stars.
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Fragile rainbow star (Astrometis sertulifera)
The fragile rainbow star earns its name from its stunning mix of purples, oranges, and reds. Unlike typical sea stars, it captures prey using pedicellariae on its back and holds it until it can be eaten, an extraordinary feeding adaptation that looks almost artistic.
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Seven-armed starfish (Astrostole scabra)
With up to seven robust arms this larger starfish inhabits Australasian shores. Its varied hues, from crimson to slate, and its predation on mussels make it both attractive and ecologically significant in intertidal zones.
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Brisingid star (Novodinia antillensis)
The velcro sea star lives in deeper waters, and its 10–14 tapering arms with eyespots give it an almost alien appearance. Its spines and pedicellariae add to its textural complexity, showcasing how life adapts in the ocean’s silent depths.
Ranging from the giant multi-armed sunflower and Midgardia stars to the blue and red knob stars, starfish are not only sea creatures; they are works of art produced by the process of evolution. Every type of starfish represents an element of the pulse of the ocean. Studying them can increase our respect and admiration for the diversity that lies beneath the surface.
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