LIMPETS: Long-term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students

Student Scientists on our Sanctuary Shores

Species

Invertebrates

Learn more about the invertebrates monitored by the LiMPETS program. The list below includes:

  • 17 core taxa that are monitored at as many sites as possible
  • 5 other taxa (denoted with *) that are monitored at only one or two sites

Go to Datasheets and Forms to find out which species are monitored at your LiMPETS site of interest.

Ochre Sea Star(Pisaster ochraceus)
Ochre Sea Star
Description:
Sea star typically has 5 arms, but rarely has from 4-7; aboral surface with many small white spines; average length is 14 cm; color yellow/orange or deep brown/purple.
Distribution:
Range Alaska to Santa Barbara, CA.
Habitat:
Common in the middle and low intertidal; juveniles found in crevices and under rocks.
Diet:
These sea stars can evert their stomachs and insert them into prey such as mussels, barnacles and snails.
Fun Fact:
Some prey can detect a scent from the ochre star and move away from the predator. This star has few predators including sea otters, gulls, and humans (for ornaments).
Reason for Monitoring:
Important predators, vulnerable to parasitic castration, and overcollecting by humans.
References:
Encyclopedia of the Sanctuary
Morris, R.H., D.P. Abbott, and E.C. Haderlie. 1980. Intertidal Invertebrates of California. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California.