By
Rene Coatta
The Purple Sea Star on the Pacific Northwest of Canada
The Purple Sea Star also known as Ochre Sea Stars or by their scientific name of Pisaster Ochraceus. This purple sea star lives in the Pacific Northwest in the intertidal zone down to approx. 97m in depth (320 ft.). They are most commonly found...
The Purple Sea Star also known as Ochre Sea Stars or by their scientific name of Pisaster Ochraceus. This purple sea star lives in the Pacific Northwest in the intertidal zone down to approx. 97m in depth (320 ft.). They are most commonly found on rocky beaches along the coast of British Columbia where they hide under rocks for protection when the tide is out. So the next time you are exploring the coastal waters of BC be sure to head down to the rocky beaches and check out these amazing creatures for yourself!
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These two Sea Stars have attached themselves to the side of the rock while they wait for the tide to come back in.
18 April 2023
ยท
1 year ago
taken in
Myrtle Rocks Regional Park, qathet Regional District, BC V8A 0S1, Canada
Did you know that some starfish species live in the sand where they can burrow to hide from predators or search for food.
18 April 2023
ยท
1 year ago
taken in
Myrtle Rocks Regional Park, qathet Regional District, BC V8A 0S1, Canada
Not all Sea Stars have that dark rich purple colour. Sometimes you will find orange/ rust or even lighter or darker purple. Which colour will you find when you are checking out the tidal pools at low tide?
18 April 2023
ยท
1 year ago
taken in
Myrtle Rocks Regional Park, qathet Regional District, BC V8A 0S1, Canada
Did you The Purple Sea Stars can live up to be 20 years old, and can regenerate arms that have been lost? Typically found with five arms, the ochre sea star may have only three or four, or as many as seven arms.
18 April 2023
ยท
1 year ago
taken in
Myrtle Rocks Regional Park, qathet Regional District, BC V8A 0S1, Canada
The Purple Sea Star is a predatory carnivore that feeds on a diet of mussels, clams, limpets, snails and barnacles. Using their small tube like structures on the ends of its arms, the purple starfish pries open its prey.
18 April 2023
ยท
1 year ago
taken in
Myrtle Rocks Regional Park, qathet Regional District, BC V8A 0S1, Canada
A purple Sea Star lies in the kelp in a tidal pool on the shores of the Sunshine Coast of BC.
18 April 2023
ยท
1 year ago
taken in
Myrtle Rocks Regional Park, qathet Regional District, BC V8A 0S1, Canada
Not all the Sea Stars are that dark purple. Sometimes you will come across ones that are lighter or darker in colour. This Ochre Sea Star had one of the neatest colours I have ever seen.
18 April 2023
ยท
1 year ago
taken in
Myrtle Rocks Regional Park, qathet Regional District, BC V8A 0S1, Canada
This Dark purple Sea Star lies between the Rocks on a beach just outside of Powell River BC.
18 April 2023
ยท
1 year ago
taken in
Myrtle Rocks Regional Park, qathet Regional District, BC V8A 0S1, Canada
With its bulky, spine-covered body the Ochre Sea star can grow to 10 inches from arm to arm and may weigh close to a pound.
18 April 2023
ยท
1 year ago
taken in
Myrtle Rocks Regional Park, qathet Regional District, BC V8A 0S1, Canada
This big cluster of Ochre Sea Stars hide underneath all the rocks during low tide. Because it can tolerate high levels of oxygen for eight hours or longer, the starfish species is frequently found at the water's edge where the waves meet the shore.
18 April 2023
ยท
1 year ago
taken in
Myrtle Rocks Regional Park, qathet Regional District, BC V8A 0S1, Canada
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See previous comments ...
5 of 8
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Interesting, Rene! You've certainly added to my scant knowledge of starfish. -
Diana Mohrsen Thank you! I love checking all of the tidal pools to see what is in them, the purple Starfish are definitely my favourite!
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Wow! Amazing! I did not know there was purple Starfish! Thanks Renee! -
Cary Horning They are so fun to spot in the tidal pools! There are so many different shade of purple as well which is pretty cool!
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Wow! This is so pretty! Thanks for sharing -
Diana Johnson-Santos Thank you! It is always so much fun checking out the tidal pools at low tide!
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Wow, these are gorgeous. -
Janel Coe They are such cool creatures!! I love how different each one is!!
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Awesome! The color is interesting! Is it common to see purple? -
Lori King Yes, you can spot the purple sea stars everywhere at low tide! They are pretty cool to see!
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