Common Sunstar Crossaster Papposus

The 12-14 armed common sunstar is generally larger than the common starfish, and has bright yellow, red and orange circular bands of colour which fade upon death. Best spotted alive in rock pools, when they are still vivid and bright.

Conservation status in Norfolk

Not threatened

Click to see the Biodiversity Action Plan Species for this species

How to help

The marine environment is under pressure and by supporting campaigns for better protection of marine ecosystems we can help the common sunstar and other marine invertebrates.

Adopt me today and help ensure my future!

Bob Ward

Information on the Common Sunstar

How to recognise

The common sunstar is often larger than the common starfish, occasionally growing up to 250mm across with circular bands of colour. When alive these bands are bright yellow, orange and red but they quickly lose this when they are washed ashore. It doesn't always have the same number of arms but usually has between twelve and fourteen.

Where to see

Common sunstars are often washed ashore, they are much less numerous than common starfish but become very similar in colour once stranded, so the number of legs is the chief identifier. The best place to see their full colour is underwater. They might occasionally be seen alive in rock pools, as found at West Runton, where they would be bright and quite obvious.

When to see

They can be seen all year round.

Did you know?

Sunstars, like many other starfish, are voracious predators whose preferred prey are shellfish.

Finding out more

British Marine Life Study Society

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