Two-Spined Sea Star

Two-Spined Sea Star
Name: Two-Spined Sea Star
Scientific Name: Astropecten duplicatus
Family: Sea Stars
Taxonomic: Astropectinidae
ID Group: Sea Stars, Urchins, Cucumbers
Size: up to 8 in.
Depth Range: In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.)
Sightings: Seen sometimes

This Sea Star has five flat arms with a row of button-like plates along the edges. Each plate is equipped with two sharp, white spines. Its colors range from tan to lavender or reddish-yellow.

The Two-Spined Sea Star buries itself in the sand during the day to remain hidden.