Starfish, West Coast, Auckland

Commonly known as a Sun Star or a Reef Star, the scientific name of this starfish is Stichaster Australis. This image was taken on Auckland's West Coast, near Piha, where the Stichaster Australis is most at home, however, it can also be found on the more sheltered East Coast, although this is rare. They predate mostly on adult green-lipped mussels (over 90% of their diet) but have also been found eating groups of barnacles, flea mussels, and the large whelk Dicathias orbita.

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Auckland