Story: Starfish, sea urchins and other echinoderms

Seven-armed starfish

Seven-armed starfish

Seven-armed starfish are the giants of New Zealand’s starfish, growing up to 75 centimetres in diameter. Usually found below low-tide level, they are carnivores and eat sea snails, pāua (abalone) and chitons. This specimen is devouring a sea urchin, or kina.

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Kim Westerskov

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Starfish, sea urchins and other echinoderms - Spiny-skinned animals', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5191/seven-armed-starfish (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 12 Jun 2006