This stunning image is something nearly every South Australian diver has seen, especially in and around our local jetties. Have you guessed yet what it is? Meet
Coscinasterias muricata.
The Eleven-armed Sea Star is the largest sea star you will find in South Australian coastal waters and is very common. The next time you come across one, take a close look and you will find the upper surface of this sea star is covered in small spines. These spines are called pedicellariae and they can be manipulated like tiny claws to either catch food or ward off predators.
Pretty scary from this vantage point!
Until the next post, take care out there and keep diving ( if that's what you do! ) ...Robert
Photo: Robert Rath C5060 1/60s at f/8 ISO100, Lens Inon UCL165AD Macro Lens, Inon D2000 Strobe