Henricia sanguinolenta (Müller, 1776)
Blood sea star
photo by Harvey-Clark, Chris

Family:  Echinasteridae ()
Max. size:  15 cm WD (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthic; marine; depth range 0 - 2400 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific, North Atlantic and the Arctic: North Sea and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  It is found on rocks and soft bottoms in subtidal areas to a depth of 2,400 meters (Ref. 865). A carnivore; trophic level 3.1 (Ref. 96418). Feeds on at least 12 species of sponges and a common food item is Isodictya spp. (Ref. 96505). Occasionally relies on filter-feeding, specifically during summer and autmn. Opportunistic generalist predator (Ref. 130743).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans: 
Country info:   
 

Source and more info: www.sealifebase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.