Common starfish  (Asterias rubens)

Species information

Videos and images

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

Glossary

Larval: Of the stage in an animal's lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
Metamorphosis: An abrupt physical change from the larval to the adult form.
Planktonic: Aquatic organisms that drift with water movements; may be either phytoplankton (plants), or zooplankton (animals).

References

  1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (January, 2003)
    http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/
  2. Fish, J.D. and Fish, S. (1996) A student's guide to the seashore. Second Edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
  3. Budd, G., 2001. Asterias rubens. Common starfish. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. (August, 2002)
    http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Asteriasrubens.htm
  4. Burnie, D. (2001) Animal. Dorling Kindersley, London.
  5. Buczacki, S. (2002) Fauna Britannica. Hamlyn, London.