Can be up to 50 cm in diameter. The Northern Pacific seastar has five arms with pointed up tips. They have vary in colours (from yellow to orange with purple markings) and have randomly arranged chisel like spines on their arms. Generally yellow underneath.

Originally found in North-Western Pacific Ocean (around Japan, Korea, Russia and Northern China). Can be found in shallow waters in the intertidal down to depths 25 m (but can be found to depths of 200 m). Can be found on rocky and sandy bottomed environments as well as man made structures such as mussel lines. The Northern Pacific Seastar is unlikely to be found in high wave action areas.

Predatory seastar that feeds on a variety of animals including worms, shellfish, crabs, dead fish and sometimes other seastars.

Can reproduce quickly and survive in high densities.

This is an INVASIVE SPECIES. If found, you MUST report to Ministry of Primary Industries (currently not in New Zealand)

https://marinebiosecurity.niwa.co.nz/asterias-amurensis/ https://marinebiosecurity.niwa.co.nz/assets/Uploads/bfce3193d9/Asterias-amurensis-identification-guide-2015.pdf