Marthasterias glacialis

Marthasterias glacialis

Written by George J. Reclos Tuesday, 20 January 2009 00:00

PDF | Print | E-mail

 

See photoalbum of Marthasterias glacialis.

 

 

General  

Scientific Name or classification 

Marthasterias glacialis   (Linnaeus, 1758)

 

Common Name

Spiny starfish (UK), Etoile de mer glaciaire (F), Eisseestern (D)

Synonyms

None.

Family

Asteriidae

Etymology

glacialis meaning icy, frozen, or glacial; also referring to the water conditions it prefers.

   

Species Information

Size (TL or SL in cm)

Over 70 cm.

Identification

Marthasterias glacialis is a large starfish up to 70 cm across, commonly 25-30 cm. It has 5 narrow tapering arms with 3 rows of longitudinal spines along each arm. The spines are white, usually with purple tips. spines are surrounded by specialised minute modified spines (pedicellariae) , which are used for protection and to gather food. Marthasterias glacialis can be dirty brown to pale greyish green in colour with purple tips to the arms.

Sexing

See D. Minchin, "Sea-water temperature and spawning behaviour in the seastar Marthasterias glacialis", Marine Biology, 95, 1, June 1987, pp. 139-143.

 

Habitat

Natural distribution                

Marthasterias glacialis is found from extreme low water to about 200 m. It can be found in a variety of habitats from sheltered muddy sites to wave exposed rock faces. From the Guinean gulf and Mediterranean Sea to the coasts of Scandinavia

Salinity (range /
optimum)

1.026-1.032  

Temperature

8° C - 25° C.

Alcalinity (range /
optimum)

Will adapt to a great variety of values from Mediterranean to tropical.

Other parameters 

n / a

Collection Impact

None, the animal can be removed without any impact on its environment.

 

Husbandry  

Minimum  aquarium
size

Gets too large for the home aquarium. Should be left for public aquariums only.                                      

Light conditions

Irrelevant

Suggested
Tankmates

Will eat sea urchins.

Suitability for
reef tank

Will eat sea urchins, may relocate items while moving.

Recommended
Tank Size

Gets too large for the home aquarium. Should be left for public aquariums only.

Care in Captivity 

Gets too large for the home aquarium. Should be left for public aquariums only.  

Other remarks

 Very thorny, not to be handled with bare hands.
   

Breeding

Breeding                                                                                   

See D. Minchin, "Sea-water temperature and spawning behaviour in the seastar Marthasterias glacialis", Marine Biology, 95, 1, June 1987, pp. 139-143.

 

 

< Prev   Next >