Image 5-1
Pacific Starfish

The Pacific starfish (Henricia leviuscula) is a brightly colored species that is common along the western Pacific coast of the United States and Canada. Known also as the Pacific blood star, it can range in color from red to orange, yellow, and purple. This starfish grows to a maximum diameter of about 8 inches (20 centimeters) and commonly has 5 legs. Occasionally it can be found with 4 or 6 legs. The Pacific starfish is found under rocks where it feeds on small sponges and algae.