scubaseason

Spiny Starfish

Marthasterias glacialis

Sighting evidence at St David's Head, Wales (Pembrokeshire)

Spectacular multi-armed starfish up to 70 cm across patrol the rocky substrate at St David's Head, feeding on barnacles, mussels, and sea urchins. They are often found in aggregations around mussel beds, their slow predatory advance contrasting with the rapid escape response of prey species. Their rigid spines and vivid orange-pink colouration make them among the most visually arresting invertebrates on Welsh reefs.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Spiny Starfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites