Sand Star

Sand star (Astropecten irregularis) found on the beach at Lower Largo.

Saw this little stranded starfish on the beach and thought it looked different from the common starfish. From seashore guide identified it as a sand star. It is usually buried in the sand in the lower shore but sometimes washed up after gales which we have had recently.

Sand star (left) in comparison to a common starfish (Asterias rubens) of roughly the same size (around 9cms across).

Starfish Hiding

As I walked amongst the rocks on the beach at Lundin Links this morning, I spotted this starfish under a rock. Resisting the temptation to give it a poke, I watched it as it slowly emerged and then moved along the rock to tuck itself in again. Nice to see a live one rather than a dead one stranded on the beach.
Note also the mussels embedded in the rock above.

This picture shows the numerous tube feet on its underside which assist locomotion and feeding.