Artificial Reef Field Guide: Pycnopodia helianthoides
| Common Name | Sunflower Star |
| Code(s) | PYHE, PYHR |
| Id Number | 690 |
| Taxa | Invertebrate |
| Mobility | Mobile |
| Colonial / Solitary | Solitary |
| Typical Substrate Type | Hard |
Species Description
Large seastar with 20 to 24 flexible arms. Moves quickly over substrate and has a wide-ranging diet. Colors range from pink, purple, brown, orange and yellow. Differentiated from S. dawsoni by the presence of large spines encirclling the base of each arm.
Species Habitat
Intertidal to subtidal. Often found in areas with high algae density. To 435m.
Species Range
Aleutian Islands, AK to Isla Todos Santos, Baja California
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