Sea Stars

About

Greek seas are home to several very different types of starfish and their relatives, each with its own look and habits. Brittle stars stand out for their small central disc and very long, thin, flexible arms that resemble snakes - they move much faster than "classic" starfish and prefer to hide under rocks. Sand-dwelling spiny stars (Astropecten) have pointed arms edged with small marginal spines and are often found half-buried in the sand. The most striking in colour is the bright orange-red starfish (Echinaster sepositus), with five arms and small bumps on its surface - the type most commonly seen on the shallow rocks along our coast.

They're far more than pretty seabed decorations - they are top predators and "cleaners". Feeding mainly on mussels, oysters, small molluscs and organic debris, they keep bivalve populations in check and let dozens of other species thrive. Their presence is a sign of a healthy marine environment.

As fascinating as they are, the right way to enjoy them is to look without touching. They breathe by absorbing oxygen from the water through their skin, so even a brief moment in the air can cause irreversible harm. Their body is also covered in a delicate protective mucus layer that touching destroys, while human contact causes them significant stress and can snap their fragile (though regenerating) arms.

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