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Channel Islands National Park
Sunflower Star
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Common Name
Sunflower Star
Scientific Name
Pycnopodia helianthoides
Habitat
Near-shore sand and rocky bottom.
Additional Information
The magnificent sunflower star inhabits low intertidal and subtidal areas ranging from Alaska to San Diego, California. Juvenile stars begin life with 5 arms, but once mature, adults have close to 24! They have very soft, spongy skin that comes in a kaleidoscope of colors - purple, green, brown, orange, pink and yellow. They are the largest sea star in the kelp forest reaching lengths of over a meter from tip to tip.
The sunflower star is a voracious predator often traveling up to 40 inches per minute to chase down its prey. This unique species of sea star has a skeleton composed of disconnected pieces. This allows for them to open their mouths wide enough to engulf large prey. They eat sea urchins, snails, clams, sea cucumbers, crabs and even other sea stars.
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![Kelp forests Kelp forests](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090512145901im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/CHIS_K2G115_brown_algae_kelp_forest_diver-small.jpg) This animal lives in the kelp forests Learn more about the kelp forest ecosystem. more... | | ![Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary logo Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary logo](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090512145901im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/CHIS_NMS-Channel-Islands-logo-co.jpg) Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Visit the sanctuary website. more... | |
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![Painted Cave, Santa Cruz Island Painted Cave, Santa Cruz Island](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20090512145901im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/CHIS_CHIS_painted-cave-entrance.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Island is one of the world’s largest known sea caves. The cave measures 1215 feet in length (the size of more than four football fields), has a 160 foot entrance, and is almost 100 feet wide.
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Last Updated: August 21, 2006 at 18:37 EST |