Pisaster ochraceus
The Ochre Sea Star is one of the most beautiful organisms in the
intertidal zone. They can be orange, yellow, or purple in color.
Tiny suction cups called tube feet cover the underside of their
five arms. Tube feet enable them to move or pry apart mussels,
their favorite food. Located in the center of the underside of the
body is a mouth from which they can extend their stomach to
externally digest food. Ochre Stars can regenerate their body
parts, however, it takes up to a year or more to fully redevelop.
Habitat/Range: Ochre Stars attach to rock and mussel beds from
Alaska to Baja California.