There are over 30 species of Sea Stars to be discovered in the Pacific Northwest.  Divers have access to most of them, whereas those snorkeling, free diving and tide-pooling will be limited to the upper sub-tidal and intertidal zones.  Most of these photos were taken in the Salish Sea in relatively calm areas at very low tide. Where possible I have provided two images of each species, where useful, in order to illustrate how different angles and colours can make identification quite difficult.  Click on the photos or texts and you will be taken to more images and details about the species. For more information, and photos sea Neil McDaniel’s Sea Star’s of the Pacific Northwest.  It’s an excellent source.

 

Sunflower Star
Sunflower Star
Sunflower Sea Star
Sunflower Star in Eelgrass
Giant Pink Star
Giant Pink Star, Pisaster brevispinus
Giant Pink Star
Giant Pink Star, Unusual Colour
Rainbow Star
Rainbow Star, Orthasterias koehleri
Purple Star
Purple Star, Pisaster ochraceus
Ochre sea star juvenile wm
Juvenile Purple Ochre Star
Mottled Star
Mottled Star, Evasterias troschelii
Mottled Star
Mottled Star, Evasterias troschelii
Blood Star
Blood Star, Henricia leviuscula
Blood Star
Blood Star, Henricia leviuscula
Armpit Sea Star
Armpit Sea Star, Henricia sp. A
Unknown Sea Star
Unknown Sea Star, Solaster?
Drab Six-rayed Sea Star
Drab Six-rayed Sea Star
Colourful Six-armed Star, Leptasterias aequalis
Colourful Six-armed Star, Leptasterias aequalis
Striped Suns Star
Striped Sun Star, Solaster stimpsoni
Leather Star
Leather Star, Dermasterias imbricata
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