Nature Field Guide
Bradley’s Sea Star
- Spanish name
- Estrella de mar de Bradley
- Scientific name
- Mithrodia bradleyi
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
A sea star can look still while its place in the reef is full of life. Pico wants to sketch its outline; Tati wants to compare its arms.
Species overview
About the Bradley’s Sea Star
Mithrodia bradleyi is a marine sea star. Its arms spread from a central body, giving it a very different outline from a fish or a crab. A photograph can help an expert distinguish it from other sea stars; the number of arms or a single color is not enough on its own.
Identification
Key Features of the Bradley’s Sea Star
Arms radiating from a central body
A textured upper surface
Compare the whole outline with a verified species photograph
Habitat & range
Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.
Local observations
Documented in Guanacaste. Also recorded at Isla del Coco (Oceanic Pacific); the museum checklist uses Ophiocoma alexandri for Ophiocomella alexandri. Region tags represent documented locations, not an exhaustive range or a promise of occurrence at every beach. Additional regional assignments require locality evidence.
When to observe
Visibility depends on the site, conditions and the animal. Ask a local guide about an appropriate visit; no fixed encounter season is promised.
Conservation & care
Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.
Observation activity
Draw the outline without touching the animal. Circle one feature you would ask a marine guide to explain.