Starfish

Slow-moving, star-shaped grazers found on rocks, sand, and reef rubble. Red and orange species are common in the Med; tropical reefs host blue and crown-of-thorns varieties. They look harmless but crown-of-thorns spines are venomous — admire without handling.

Last updated April 2026

Red starfishEchinaster sepositus16 photos

Up to 30 cm3–40mRocky reef

A vivid orange-red starfish with five smooth, cylindrical arms and a slightly bumpy surface. Instantly recognizable by its brilliant color against dark rock.

Clings to rocky walls and boulders, often in shaded areas — one of the Mediterranean's most photogenic and commonly seen starfish.

Observed at

Pedra de Déu(Illes Medes)El Trencat(Costa del Maresme)Bajo de Dentro(Cabo de Palos)La Calzada(Costa del Maresme)Bajo Piles I(Cabo de Palos)Torre Ferrer(Costa del Maresme)S'Adolitx(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)Las Planetas(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)Túneles de Port Salvi(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)El Jardín y La Red(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)

Spiny starfishMarthasterias glacialis3 photos

Least ConcernUp to 70 cm1–40mRocky reef

A large, robust starfish with prominent spines along its arms and a mottled green-brown surface. The biggest starfish commonly seen in the Mediterranean.

Found on rocky walls and boulders, moving slowly with its tube feet — often upside down in crevices.

Observed at

Ullastres III(Palamós)Peu de Negre(Costa del Maresme)

Smooth sea starHacelia attenuata2 photos

Observed at

Ullastres III(Palamós)Ullastres II(Palamós)

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