DSC_4287 Ambush sea star (Stegnaster inflatus) ventral view. Captures prey in an unsual way. It stands on the ends of the arms, arching the "body" away from the rocks. When a suitable prey item crawls into the "cave" it has formed, the sea star drops onto it. Army Bay, Whangaparaoa Peninsula
DSC_4273 Ambush sea star (Stegnaster inflatus) showing variety of colour forms. Captures prey in an unsual way. It stands on the ends of the arms, arching the "body" away from the rocks. When a suitable prey item crawls into the "cave" it has formed, the sea star drops onto it. Army Bay, Whangaparaoa Peninsula *
DSC_5913 Ambush sea star (Stegnaster inflatus) in 'ambush' stance. Captures prey in an unsual way. It stands on the ends of the arms, arching the "body" away from the rocks. When a suitable prey item crawls into the "cave" it has formed, the sea star drops onto it. Army Bay, Whangaparaoa Peninsula *
