PORT PHILLIP BAY


Seastar 

Meridiastra medius (O'Loughlin et al., 2003)

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

See below for information.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Echinodermata
Class:
Asteroidea
Order:
Valvatida
Family:
Asterinidae
Genus:
Meridiastra
Species:
medius

General Description

Arms typically 6, arm rays merge with disc, hexagonal. Colour variable, frequently red with flecks of other colours, not black in the centre of the disc. Tube feet not orange. Centre to arm tip up to 4 cm.

Biology

This species scientific name reflects its distribution, occurring in the "middle" of two other similar species.

Habitat

Under-surface of rocks, to depth of 34 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Southern Australia, including western and central Victoria.

Species Group

Seastars and allies Sea stars

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

8 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Identify

Conservation Status

  • DSE Advisory List : Not listed
  • EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
  • IUCN Red List : Not listed

Author

article author O'Loughlin, P. M.

Mark O'Loughlin is an Honorary Associate in marine invertebrates at Museum Victoria.

citation

Cite this page as:
O'Loughlin, P. M., 2011, Seastar, Meridiastra medius, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 28 Mar 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/4700

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