Image 5-18
Northern Pacific Sea Star

The northern pacific sea star (Asterias amurensis) is a species of starfish native to the coasts of northern China, Korea, Russia and Japan. This starfish has also recently been introduced to the ocean areas of Tasmania, southern Australia, Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, parts of Europe, and Maine. Scientists believe this invasive species was transported as free-swimming larvae in ballast water for ships. In its native habitat, this starfish grows to a maximum diameter of 19 inches (50 centimeters) and feeds on mollusks, crustaceans, sea urchins, and sea squirts.