BIOTIC Species Information for Crossaster papposus
Researched byLizzie Tyler Data supplied byUniversity of Sheffield
Refereed byThis information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific nameCrossaster papposus Common nameCommon sun star
MCS CodeZB75 Recent Synonyms

PhylumEchinodermata SubphylumAsterozoa
Superclass ClassAsteroidea
Subclass OrderVelatida
Suborder FamilySolasteridae
GenusCrossaster Speciespapposus
Subspecies   

Additional Information
Taxonomy References Campbell, 1994, Southward & Campbell, 2006, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Howson & Picton, 1997,
General Biology
Growth formRadial
Stellate
Feeding methodPredator
Scavenger
Mobility/MovementCrawler
Environmental positionEpifaunal
Epibenthic
Typical food typesWide range of invertebrates including bivalves and other echinoderms and carrion HabitFree living
BioturbatorNot relevant FlexibilityLow (10-45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeMedium-large(21-50cm)
HeightNot researched Growth RateNot researched
Adult dispersal potentialNot researched DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Strathmann, 1987, Hancock, 1974, Legault & Himmelman, 1993, Lambert, 1981, Carlson & Pfister, 1999, Sloan, 1980, Mortensen, 1927, Southward & Campbell, 2006, Picton, 1993, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Julie Bremner, unpub data, Mortensen, 1927,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandFound on all British and Irish coasts.
Global distributionFound in north-west Europe from Denmark and the Shetland Isles to northern France and in the north-west Atlantic and north-east Pacific off the coasts of Canada.
Biogeographic rangeCold temperate to temperate. Depth range0 - 50 m
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional Information

Substratum preferencesPebbles
Gravel / shingle
Coarse clean sand
Fine clean sand
Mixed
Gravelley sand
Physiographic preferencesOpen coast
Offshore seabed
Strait / sound
Estuary
Enclosed coast / Embayment
Biological zoneUpper Infralittoral
Lower Infralittoral
Upper Circalittoral
Lower Circalittoral
Circalittoral Offshore
Wave exposureField unresearched
Tidal stream strength/Water flowField unresearched
SalinityFull (30-40 psu)
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References Campbell, 1994, NBN, 2002, JNCC, 1999, Picton & Costello, 1998, Lambert, 1981, Southward & Campbell, 2006, Picton, 1993, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Julie Bremner, unpub data, Mortensen, 1927,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
Developmental mechanismPlanktotrophic
Direct Development
Reproductive SeasonMarch to April Reproductive LocationWater column
Reproductive frequencyAnnual protracted Regeneration potential Yes
Life span11-20 years Age at reproductive maturity3-5 years
Generation timeNot researched Fecundity
Egg/propagule size750 µm diameter Fertilization typeExternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialNot researched Larval settlement periodMay to July
Duration of larval stage1-2 months   
Reproduction Preferences Additional Information
Reproduction References Strathmann, 1987, Carlson & Pfister, 1999, Mortensen, 1927, Southward & Campbell, 2006, Picton, 1993, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Julie Bremner, unpub data, Mortensen, 1927,
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