Description: A very small cushion star with a spiny dorsal surface. There is a star-like pattern of darker brown or green pigment along the centre of the arms and paler areas between the arms. As this species was only recognised recently little is known about it. Up to 1.5cm. across.

Habitat: A frequent species in some very exposed sites on the west coast of Ireland at 10 - 20m. Also found intertidally in large rock pools and on rocks.

Distribution: Known from the west coast of Ireland, Strangford Lough, and SW Britain. Also found in the Mediterranean.

Similar Species: Asterina gibbosa is morphologically similar but larger, more uni-coloured and not brood-rearing.

Key Identification Features:

• Star-like pattern of darker pigment.
• Small size, only 1.5cm in diameter.
• Broods its young.

Distribution Map from NBN: Asterina phylactica at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Asterina phylactica at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Asterina phylactica at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Asterina phylactica Emson & Crump, 1979. AphiaID: 123990.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Echinodermata; Asterozoa; Asteroidea; Ambuloasteroidea; Neoasteroidea; Valvatacea; Valvatida; Asterinidae; Asterina