''Labidiaster radiosus'', the fragile sticky ray star, is a large species of

starfish Starfish or sea stars are star-shaped echinoderms belonging to the class Asteroidea (). Common usage frequently finds these names being also applied to ophiuroids, which are correctly referred to as brittle stars or basket stars. Starfish ...

in the family

Heliasteridae The Heliasteridae are a family of Asteroidea (sea stars) in the order Forcipulatida. It includes two genera: ''Heliaster'' from the East Pacific (California to Chile, including offshore islands), and ''Labidiaster'' from southernmost South Ameri ...

and was first described by Lütken in 1871. It is found in the waters of southern South America to Sub-Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Description

''Labidiaster radiosus'' is a large starfish that can reach up to across, its color is variable in life, ranging from red-orange to purple and white. It has a round abdomen with 20-40 arms, often has a pattern of concentric circles radiating out on arms. Labidiaster radiosus may be confused with

Labidiaster annulatus ''Labidiaster annulatus'', the Antarctic sun starfish or wolftrap starfish is a species of starfish in the family Heliasteridae. It is found in the cold waters around Antarctica and has a large number of slender, flexible rays. Description '' ...

and the two have even been considered to be the same species. However, they can be distinguished by closely examining the pedicellaria in the central disc.

Distribution

''Labidiaster radiosus'' is found on rocky reefs in the waters of southern South America to Sub-Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula. it lives at depths of 5-450m with a sea temperature range of -.

Reproduction

Embryos will hatch into planktonic larvae which later metamorphose into pentamerous juveniles. These develop into young sea stars with short, stubby arms.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q2973630 Asteroidea Fauna of Antarctica