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Sunflower Sea Star

Pycnopodia helianthoides

CR — Critically Endangered

Description

The largest and fastest sea star, with up to 24 arms. A keystone predator that keeps sea urchin populations in check, protecting kelp forests.

CategoryMarine

SizeUp to 1 m diameter

PopulationDeclined 90%+

HabitatRocky subtidal to deep ocean

Range

NE Pacific (Alaska to Baja California)

Threats

Sea star wasting diseaseOcean warmingUrchin overgrazing

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This sea star has up to 15,000 tube feet and is the fastest sea star in the world — it can move at 1 meter per minute and has up to 24 arms!

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