Red Comb Star

Overview

The Red Comb Star is a prominent sea star native to the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Portugal to Angola. It is the largest species of comb star found in these regions, often recognized by its impressive size and distinct, comb-like marginal spines.

Appearance

This species features a swollen, cone-like central disc and five arms lined with rows of prominent, whitish, pointed spines that resemble a comb. Its dorsal surface is covered in small, umbrella-shaped structures called paxillae, which typically display reddish-orange to pale brown hues. The ventral side is generally yellowish, and unlike many other sea stars, its tube feet lack suckers, an adaptation suited for its life on soft substrates.

Distribution & habitat

The Red Comb Star is primarily found on soft, sandy, or muddy bottoms, though it may occasionally inhabit seagrass meadows. It occupies a wide bathymetric range, from shallow coastal waters near the intertidal zone down to depths of approximately 100 meters.

Biology & behavior

This sea star is primarily nocturnal, spending the daylight hours buried beneath the sand to avoid predators or harsh conditions. It emerges at night to actively forage across the seafloor. Because it lacks suckered tube feet, it is highly efficient at moving across and burrowing into loose sediment.

Feeding

As a predator, it feeds on various buried invertebrates, including mollusks and snails. It does not evert its stomach to digest prey; instead, it swallows its food whole and later expels any indigestible remains.