The Sunstar (Crossaster papposus), also known as the common sunstar, spiny sunstar, and spiny sun star, is a species of sea star belonging to the family Solasteridae. It is found in the northern parts of both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. The sunstar is named because its body shape mimics the appearance of a stylized sun. This species is a voracious predator, preying on smaller marine invertebrates such as sea cucumbers and brittle stars. The sunstar is also cannibalistic and will even eat its own kind.
Advertisement