The bloody henry starfish is a stiff rigid starfish with a sandpapery texture to the dorsal surface.
Its colour varies in reds, browns, purples and yellows. Large in size, on average reaching 10cm in diameter. However, the species can grow up to double that.

Behaviour

The name bloody henry starfish actually refers to two very similar starfish, Henricia oculata and Henricia sanguinolenta. This is because it is incredibly difficult to distinguish between the two, especially when seen underwater! The bloody henry starfish is sometimes found in rockpools at very low tides and lives on the seabed down to depths of over 100m. Despite its deceptive name, the Bloody henry starfish is less predatory than other starfish, feeding mainly on floating plankton and suspended matter. Though it will prey on sponges and other invertebrates if necessary! They are usually a bright purply-red colour (where they get their name from), but can also be brown, lavender or dark red. They sometimes have a blotchy pattern, like they’ve been covered in paint.

Size

Diameter: 10cm

Status

Common

Distribution

Found all around the UK.

When to see

January to December.

Facts

Bloody henry starfish are one of the few starfish species to brood their eggs. The female deposits her eggs, wrapped in a sticky mucus, onto the seabed and then guards them with her raised body. The larvae remain in this Mum-made shelter after hatching. This allows them to grow a bit bigger and have a better chance of surviving (rather than becoming fish food!).