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Description:
Nine-armed sea stars are readily distinguished by their 9 long strap-like
arms. Adults may reach a diameter of 16 inches, with arm length being
approximately 6 inches. Body color is generally creamy white, with plates
around the central disk. The midline of each arm is blue-gray
to dark gray. The arms are lined with marginal spines that are borne
on yellow colored plates. Tube feet are transparent, but have brown
colored tips.
Habitat:
Nine-armed sea stars prefer the relative shelter of calm lagoons with
sand or mud substrates. Throughout Florida, they are found in sandy or
hard shell areas.
Range:
Nine armed sea stars range from the Greater Antilles south to Brazil.
In Florida, nine-armed sea stars occur from Sebastian Inlet on the east
coast, to Bradenton on the west coast, including the Florida Keys.
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The nine-armed sea star, Luidia senegalensis, from the Indian River
Lagoon. Photo by J. Miller, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution; courtesy of D. Pawson, National Museum of Natural
History. Used with permission.
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Young juveniles of this species, just metamorphosed from the larval form,
are able to triple their overall diameter in as little as 4 weeks.
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