June 8, 2021

Welcome to our Cool Critters series, where Marine Ecologist Jeff Adams shares the unique features of his favorite marine animals native to the Pacific Northwest. Today’s Cool Critter is the Giant Pink Sea Star!

The Giant Pink Sea Star (Pisaster brevispinus) is one of the largest and heaviest sea stars in the world, and is possibly the prettiest pink the Pacific. This sea star can dig, and then stretch its central tube feet 10 inches into the sediment to grab its prey. The largest of these sea stars can weigh up to 10 pounds, and be around 3 feet long! These critters can be found in the northeast of the Pacific Ocean. 

This image is an example of one of the 3 foot ones!

Photo Credit: Jeff Adams, Marine Ecologist, Washington Sea Grant