Species profile
Pacific Blood Star
Henricia leviuscula
At a glance
Pacific Blood Star (Henricia leviuscula) is an echinoderm present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
Confirmed by 1,146 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with British Columbia, Washington, and California the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Its vivid blood-red color inspired its name, though some individuals appear orange or pale pink.
- Unlike most sea stars, it feeds primarily on sponges and encrusting bacteria rather than bivalves.
- Found from Alaska to Baja California on rocky reefs from the low intertidal to over 300 feet deep.
- Typically reaches about 4–6 inches across at maturity.
- Its slender arms and smooth, bumpy texture distinguish it from most other Pacific sea stars.
Where Pacific Blood Star are seen
Background
Henricia leviuscula, commonly called the Pacific blood star, it is a species of starfish found along the Pacific coast of North America.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Pacific Blood Star article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other starfish/urchins/cucumbers on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.