Northern Pacific seastar (Asterias amurensis)
Have you see this marine pest in NSW?
Key features
Northern Pacific seastar
Diagram of the Northern Pacific seastar
Habitat
All surfaces, rock and sand; down to 200m; not in exposed high wave energy areas.
Current locations
- Not known in NSW
- Found in Tasmania and Victoria
Impacts
- Voracious predator
- Impacts aquaculture and fisheries
Similar native species
Granular Sea Star
The native Granular seastar Uniophora granifera
Key Features:
- Arm radius up to 120mm
- 5 arms
- Orange body / purple spines
- Blunt, rounded tips
Distribution: Found along all of NSW coastline.
Irregular Sea Star
The native, Irregular seastar Smilasterias irregularis
Key Features:
- Arm radius up to 65mm
- Red-brown / grey colour
- 5 pointed arms
- No upturned tips
Distribution: Found along southern NSW coastline.
Many-armed Sea Star
The native many-armed seastar Allostichaster poyplax
Key features:
- Arm radius up to 44mm
- Up to 10 arms
- Similar colouration to A. amurensis
Distribution: Found along all of NSW coastline, more common on southern half.
Eleven-armed Sea Star
Eleven-armed seastar Coscinasterias muricata
Key features:
- Arm radius up to 220mm
- Brown / grey colour
- Up to 14 arms (usually 11)
- Larger spines
Distribution: Found along all of NSW coastline.
If you see this pest in NSW, please report it immediately
- Note the exact location
- If possible take a photo and/or collect a sample
- Freeze sample in a plastic bag
- Report your sighting
Photograph credit: Native species: David Harasti (Granular seastar); Graham Edgar, Marine Plants of Australia (others).
Northern Pacific Seastar and diagram: CRIMP, CSIRO Australia