Northern or California Spiny Sand Star, Astropecten verrilli

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Created 12/3/2012

Family Astropectinidae

EASTERN PACIFIC

Astropecten verrilli



UW Island, Anacapa, California, 50 feet

NORTHERN or CALIFORNIA SPINY SAND STAR

Buried in sand at any depth. Feeds primarily upon olive snails. Large aboral plates lack prominent spines in comparison to Astropecten armatus. Attains 6 inches. Puget Sound to Baja California.