Rathbunaster californicus

Description

General: Compare with Pycnopodia helianthoides and shallower depths. There is some potential that they are the same species, however this is still unclear. 12-20 arms, disc may be relatively smaller than in P. helianthoides. These seastars develop "galls" in their arms, which are indicative of the presence of an endoparasitic eulimid gastropod (Asterophila rathbunasteri). Readily lose their arms.

Geographic Information

Habitat description: Benthic, mostly soft substrate.

Ocean range (global): Southern Alaska to San Diego.

Published depth range: 60 - 1000 m

Additional Information

References

Encyclopedia of Life

Tree of Life

World Register of Marine Species

National Center for Biotechnology Information

Lauerman, L.M.L. (1998). Diet and Feeding Behavior of the Deep-Water Sea Star Rathbunaster Californicus (Fisher) in the Monterey Submarine Canyon. Bulletin of Marine Science, 63: 523-530.

Maluf, L.Y. (1988). Composition and distribution of the Central Eastern Pacific echinoderms. Technical Reports, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 2:242.