Forbes' Sea Star
Asterias forbesi · Also known as: common sea star, starfish
Five-armed Mid-Atlantic sea star of jetties, bay bottoms, and occasional beach wrack. The “starfish” visitors hope to find.
Quick facts
| Group | Echinoderm |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★☆☆ |
| Habitats | Ocean beach, Inlet, Offshore / ocean, Coastal bays, Assateague State Park, Assateague National Seashore |
| Seasons (this coast) | year-round |
How to recognize them
- Usually five stout arms; colors from orange and brown to purple-gray.
- Rough, spiny upper surface; tube feet underneath for gripping and feeding.
Biology notes
- Predator of mussels, barnacles, and other invertebrates; can pry open shells.
- Populations fluctuate with disease and water conditions along the Mid-Atlantic.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Ocean City Inlet jetties and rock groins at low tide.
- Assateague and OC beaches after storms; live stars more often on hard structure than open sand.
When to look
- Year-round; lowest tides expose jetty life best.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Leave live stars in place—they dry out quickly out of water.
- Watch footing on wet jetty rocks.
