Spiny Starfish

Photo: Alessandra Boccabianca · © all rights reserved

Spiny starfish are an ecologically important predator on Procida's mixed rock-and-sand margins, where they methodically hunt sea urchins and bivalves across the interface between lava rubble and meadow. Their abundance here reflects the intact structure of the benthic community — in overfished or heavily impacted sites this species typically disappears. Juvenile individuals in the 5 centimetre range can be found sheltering under ledges during the day and are frequently confused by beginners with the more familiar cushion star.