Pycnopodiidae
From Natural History of Southeast Alaska
Family: Pycnopodiidae
Group: Marine Invertebrate, Species
Scientific Name | Common Name | Summary |
---|---|---|
Pycnopodia helianthoides | Sunflower star | 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. |