Nature Field Guide
Pyramid Sea Star
- Spanish name
- Estrella pirámide
- Scientific name
- Pharia pyramidata
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
How would you draw a star that belongs to the ocean? Pico starts with the outline. Tati adds the small details she notices.
Species overview
About the Pyramid Sea Star
Pharia pyramidata is a sea star associated with rocky seabeds. It belongs to a group of animals whose shape is organized around a central body. Look carefully at the relationship between its center and its arms, then compare your observations with a trusted field reference.
Identification
Key Features of the Pyramid Sea Star
A star-shaped body
Arms extending from the center
Surface details best recorded with a close photograph taken without disturbance
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
Sketch two imaginary stars with different arm widths. Compare them with the real animal from your observation point.