Mediterranean Red Sea Star Echinaster sepositus

The Mediterranean Red Sea Star, also called just Red Sea Star in its range, as are others globally elsewhere, is native to waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the northeast Atlantic south of the UK but north of the equator. It is bright red or orange-red and usually has five slender arms (which it can regrow if lost or injured).

It can grow typically to 20cm across and exceptionally to 30cm (1 foot). Diet is mainly small invertebrates and recycling organic detritus. Threats include habitat degradation and overharvesting.

The Purple Sea Star/Starfish, Ophidiaster ophidianus, native to the same region and usually red, purple or orange, can look similar (another in the Pacific is also called the Purple while several others share the name Red Sea Star, including the Red Linckia and Red Fromia).