Two-Spined Sea Star
Two-Spined Sea Star, Spawning
During spawning the Two-Spined Sea Star lifts its body and extends a cone-like protrusion to release eggs.
| 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.