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

Species

Starfish

(6 photos)

Up to 25 cm1–30mRocky reefSand

The classic five-armed sea star in various colours — a universal symbol of the ocean floor. Mediterranean and tropical species range from bright red to mottled brown.

Moves slowly over rocks and sand, often found in groups on shallow reef flats and under overhangs.

Observed at

S'Adolitx(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)El Jardín y La Red(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)Túneles de Port Salvi(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)Bajo de Dentro(Cabo de Palos)

Red starfish

Echinaster sepositus(5 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)

Leach's sea star

Leiaster leachi(1 photos)

Up to 20 cm5–30mCoral reefSand

A tropical starfish with smooth, slightly plump arms in orange to red tones. Often found on rubble and coral slopes in the Red Sea and Indo-Pacific.

Slow-moving grazer on reef rubble — easy to photograph but handle with care as any starfish.

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