Pycnopodiidae

From Natural History of Southeast Alaska
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Family: Pycnopodiidae

Group: Marine Invertebrate, Species

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Pycnopodia helianthoidesSunflower starPycnopodia 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.