E-1665 SPINY SAND STAR, Luidia alternata alternata
The Spiny Sand Star’s body is covered in small spines. This species is predatory toward other species of sea stars. Excellent for studying predator prey relationships and the roles of chemical signals between predator and prey. Size: 10-14cm
Diet
Luidia are predatory and usually prey on other echinoderms like brittlestars. However they can also eat dead bait thrown overboard by fishermen. Unlike other sea stars, they do not have suckers to open bivalves. Instead, they swallow their prey whole and regurgitate the indigestible parts (Rothschild, 2004).
Habitat
Sandy and muddy sediment. (Hendler et al., 1995).
VIDEOS
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Mass Mortality of the Sea Stars Luidia clathrata and Luidia alternata alternata on the Alabama Coast
REFERENCES
Rothschild Susan, Beachcomber’s Guide to Gulf Coast Marine Life. Taylor Trade Publications, 2004. Pp 28.
Hendler. G, Miller. J, Pawson. D and Kier. P. Sea Stars, Sea Urchins, and Allies. Smithsonian Institution Press, 1995.