About Ophidiaster ophidianus (Lamarck, 1816)
Ophidiaster ophidianus, commonly known as the purple starfish, is a species of starfish found in the East Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. In the East Atlantic, its range extends from mainland Portugal and the Azores south to the Gulf of Guinea. This species shows wide variation in body coloration, ranging from red to orange, and individuals may also have brown spots. Its central disc is small, covered by irregularly shaped plates. Its arms are thinner closer to the central disc. Each arm bears lines of respiratory papillae. Ophidiaster ophidianus can grow to 40 centimeters in total diameter.
