Common Sunstar Crossaster Papposus

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.

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.

British Marine Life Study Society
Marlin
Marine Species Identification Portal

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.