Red comb star

Biology

The red comb star, with an arm span of up to 60 centimetres, is the largest species of the family. It has five arms bordered by rows of spikes, resembling a comb - its most typical feature. Its colour can vary from red-orange to light-brown. It lives on sandy, muddy or gravel bottoms, and is a nocturnal species that feeds voraciously on molluscs. Spines around the mouth help to hold its prey.

Curiosities

During the day the animal remains buried in sand and the central disc acts like a sense organ in order to rapidly react if touched, by digging deeper.