Pisaster ochraceus (Brandt, 1835) Common Names: Ochre sea star, Purple sea star Individual found at Swirl Rocks, WA in the mid-intertidal zone. Top view, approximately 40 cm in diameter. Photo by: Melissa McFadden, June 2002.
This subtidal seastar frequently has its papulae out, which makes the rays appear smooth and gelatinous as seen here. The aboral ossicles form spines which are single, clustered, or in a network. Photo by Dave Cowles, July 2005