Shaka Doug
Contributor
I have recently noticed a species of Sea Star that never used to be around (at least in my 17 years of diving Maui).
The Purple Velvet Sea Star is a beautiful 5-arm sea star that grows to about 12"-15" in diameter. They have 2 rows of sharp, teeth-like protrusions on the underside. These teeth are biggest closest to the center of the animal. There are also very prominent yellow tube feet between the rows of teeth that they use for propulsion. The top side of the animal is bright purple and has a soft, velvet texture. Some of them have one round ~1/4" spot on top near the beginning of one of the arms.
The first time I ever saw one was over at the Cathedrals on Lanai about 2 years ago. It was down at about 100' and the books indicate that is the normal depth for these creatures. I never saw another one until about three months ago and it was at Palauea Beach in Wailea at a depth of about 20'. Since then I have seen many of them all along the coast as far north as Ulua Beach and as far south as Makena Landing. This leads me to believe they are becoming common all along our south shore. I have seen as many as 4 on one dive now and they are becoming a regular sight. They do not appear to be eating or mating but who knows?
Here are a few photos of them. Does anyone have any ideas why they are suddenly showing up? Have they been doing the same thing on the other islands? I sure would like to know.
The Purple Velvet Sea Star is a beautiful 5-arm sea star that grows to about 12"-15" in diameter. They have 2 rows of sharp, teeth-like protrusions on the underside. These teeth are biggest closest to the center of the animal. There are also very prominent yellow tube feet between the rows of teeth that they use for propulsion. The top side of the animal is bright purple and has a soft, velvet texture. Some of them have one round ~1/4" spot on top near the beginning of one of the arms.
The first time I ever saw one was over at the Cathedrals on Lanai about 2 years ago. It was down at about 100' and the books indicate that is the normal depth for these creatures. I never saw another one until about three months ago and it was at Palauea Beach in Wailea at a depth of about 20'. Since then I have seen many of them all along the coast as far north as Ulua Beach and as far south as Makena Landing. This leads me to believe they are becoming common all along our south shore. I have seen as many as 4 on one dive now and they are becoming a regular sight. They do not appear to be eating or mating but who knows?
Here are a few photos of them. Does anyone have any ideas why they are suddenly showing up? Have they been doing the same thing on the other islands? I sure would like to know.