About Stylasterias forreri (deLoriol, 1887)
Stylasterias forreri, commonly called the velcro star, is a large sea star species. It reaches a maximum diameter of 100 cm (39 in), though most individuals are considerably smaller. It has a small central disc, and usually five long, tapering arms, though six arms occur occasionally. Rows of large spines run along the length of each arm, and each spine is surrounded by a ring of 30 to 40 pedicellariae, tiny pincer-shaped structures. Tufts of pale gills grow between the spines. This species gets its common name from its characteristically sticky surface to the touch; the stickiness happens because the pedicellariae grip skin, and attempting to pull the starfish free stimulates more pedicellariae to grip. Its coloration is typically some shade of grey or black, though beige individuals occur occasionally. The velcro star is distributed along the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from Kodiak Island, Alaska, down to Southern California. It can be found at depths up to around 530 m (1,740 ft). It is generally an uncommon species, and most individuals live in deep water at the heads of fiords.
