Red comb-seastar
Astropecten aranciacus
Special features
Although the Red comb-seastar has no suction discs on the underside of its arms and is therefore unable to climb up vertical surfaces, it can use its feet to scoop so much sediment out of the way until it completely disappears underneath it.
Appearance
Impressive, large disc, with wide braces and always five arms.
The edges are decorated with two rows of bright spines, which make it look particularly predatory.
Its base color is vivid orange-red, sometimes patterned, the underside is yellowish.
Natural enemies
Squids
Dangerous/venomous
The Great Combed Starfish is neither dangerous nor venomous.
Sketch
1. Large disc
2. Two rows of spines
Pro tips
The Red comb-seastar feels equally at home all over the Mediterranean Sea.
During the day, it recedes under a camouflage layer of sediment.
At night, however, it gives up his cover to hunt voraciously for mussels, sea urchins, and snails.
It devours smaller prey as a whole, larger prey is digested outside its body in the extendable stomach.
It excretes indigestible parts of the prey, such as husks, intact.
In contrast to other starfish, this fascinating creature can move in all directions and faster than you would expect him to.
Text: Carolina Leiter
Pic: Dive Dict
Illustration: Dive Dict
