DSC_ 2468 Spiny sea star (Coscinasterias muricata) these starfish reproduce asexually by 'fission' where the central disc breaks into two pieces and each portion then regenerates the missing parts, in this case four new arms. Quarantine Point, Otago Peninsula
P_3170436 Eleven-armed sea star (Coscinasterias muricata) usually with 11 arms - this has nine. This species may have up to 14 arms or as few as one arm - after fusion. Found from low intertidal down to 70m, but they are common in sheltered shallow habitats, in association with mussels. Pakiri Beach
DSC_6813 Four and four star (Allostichaster polyplax) with eight arms, often four larger and four smaller. Bluish-grey, or buff in colour and found in the low intertidal zone. Lives throughout NZ, extending south as far as Stewart Island, and also in southern Australia and Tasmania. Aquarium Point, Otago Peninsula *
