Pycnopodia helianthoides

Sunflower star: for more photos, see Sitka Nature Photo Gallery for Pycnopodia helianthoides

Sunflower star (Pycnopodia helianthoides): Pycnopodia helianthoides is the most famous starfish in Sitka Sound. Although Dawson's sun star (Solaster dawsoni) sometimes eats it, and gulls (Larus spp.) are sometimes seen eating small specimens, this species is generally considered to be an apex predator in shallow, soft substrates. It is also found in rocks, although it is less at-home there because its preferred prey items (bivalves) are less abundant.

Local Notes

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References

Weblinks

• WoRMS page for Pycnopodia helianthoides

• WoRMS Page for Pycnopodia helianthoides
• Search Arctos Database for Pycnopodia helianthoides (Southeast only)
• Search Arctos Database for Pycnopodia helianthoides (entire database)
• Encyclopedia of Life search for Pycnopodia helianthoides
• iNaturalist Observations for Pycnopodia helianthoides in Southeast Alaska

Other References

• Lambert 2000

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  Sunflower star (Pycnopodia helianthoides)

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  Sunflower star (Pycnopodia helianthoides)

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