Spotted Sea Star

One of the most common sea stars in the Moreton Bay. I have seen thousands in the shallows in sea grass. They are also occasionally washed up and regularly reported by the media (of course without naming the animals). The stranded animals probably belong to the most popular photo subjects. They deteriorate quickly in the sun. There is a problem with the identification though. The ALA type species looks completely different, not anything close. The internet does not provide any good identification keys in this group. Hence, I follow, the Wild Guide of Moreton Bay, Vol. 2, page 264.