Ochre Sea Star

Pisaster ochraceus

Explore the Ochre Sea Star (Pisaster ochraceus) species record in The Ark Is Earth, including classification, habitat, distribution, conservation information, and sources.

Summary

The Ochre Sea Star is a predatory sea star of rocky shores along the Pacific coast of North America. It uses tube feet to pry open shellfish and is an important intertidal predator whose feeding can strongly shape shore communities.

Classification in this archive

Animals › Echinoderms › Sea stars › Forcipulatida › Asteriidae › Pisaster

Habitat and distribution

Regions in this record: North America

Demonstration note

[DEMO] Ochre sea stars are keystone predators because their feeding helps prevent mussels from dominating rocky shores.