Leptasterias hexactis  (Six-Armed Star)

© Aaron Baldwin (Photo ID #2058)

Photographer's Submitted Details

Photo Location	Sitka Sound, SE Alaska
Photographer	Aaron Baldwin
Habitat	Mid-intertidal, under rocks
Photo Date
Upload Date	October 18, 2007
Elevation (m)
Latitude
Longitude
Photo ID #	2058
Comments	This huge and complex genus is still awaiting a massive genetic analysis to sort out the several species complexes. The L. hexactis complex is probably the most common, at least in BC and is practically identical to the L. alaskensis complex. The easiest way to distinguish the two is to look down the midline of each arm. L. hexactis has a row of larger round spines running down the arm, while L. alaskensis does not. However, I would not be one bit surprised to see a series with this character blended! Photo with Pentax Optio W10 underwater camera submerged in shallow aquarium.