We have some of the most colourful and interesting sea stars here in our Southern waters but I have to admit that I often overlook them as I search for the more ‘exotic’ creatures such as nudibranchs, cephalopods or dragons.

Sea stars are everywhere and not just many of the same type but a wide variety of species as well. Even sea stars of the same species often look very different from each other as any biscuit star will beautifully demonstrate.

While diving near the ‘T’ at Rapid Bay Jetty I came across this Red Sea Star, Pentagonaster dubeni, which was as visually conspicuous as an orange safely flare as it sat perched atop some bottom structure.

Perhaps I will pay a little more attention to the sea stars in the future and give the ‘exotics’ a break for a while!.

Photo: Robert Rath, ‘Day 682, Starry Eyed Surprise’, 1/160s f/13 ISO640 40mm+2D