Astropecten irregularis is a sea star of the family Astropectinidae. Common names include Sand sea star (A. i. pontoporeus). Habitat and behaviour Starfishes of genus Astropecten live on mobile seabed (sandy, muddy or gravel seabed), and they remain largely buried under sediment during the day.

Summary Description Astropecten irregularis has a stiff flattened body. It can grow up to 20 cm in diameter. The dorsal surface appears finely granular. The under surface of this starfish is pale, however the upper surface can appear sandy, yellow orange, pink or brown.

Astropecten irregularis Description: A rigid star-shaped starfish with 5 short tapering arms. At the edge of each arm there is a double series of large square plates and a horizontal row of long pointed spines.

Astropecten irregularis (Pennant, 1777) Family: A burrowing starfish that lives on sands and muddy sands, particularly on Northern Ireland’s eastern coast. It has declined rapidly, probably due to impact from bottom fishing.