Mah, C.L. (2025). World Asteroidea Database. Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=123776 on 2025-11-25
accepted
Valid name (ICZN) or name considered to be taxonomically correct (ICBN)
Species
Systema Naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. [The system of nature through the three kingdoms of nature, according to classes, orders, genera, species, with characters, differences, synonyms, places.]
Linnaeus, C. (1758). Systema Naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. [The system of nature through the three kingdoms of nature, according to classes, orders, genera, species, with characters, differences, synonyms, places.]. Impensis Direct. Laurentii Salvii. Holmiae [Stockholm]. 1(10) [iii], 824 p.
British Zoology, vol. IV. Crustacea. Mollusca. Testacea.
Pennant, T. (1777). British Zoology, vol. IV. Crustacea. Mollusca. Testacea. London. i-viii, 1-154, pls. 1-93.
Dissertatio sistens species cognitas asteriarum, quam. sub praesidio D. M. And. J. Retzii. pro laurea modeste exhibet Nicolaus Bruzelius
Bruzelius, N. (1805). Dissertatio sistens species cognitas asteriarum, quam. sub praesidio D. M. And. J. Retzii. pro laurea modeste exhibet Nicolaus Bruzelius. 1-37. Lundae.
Fauna Suecica sistens Animalia Sueciae Regni: Distributa per Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Differentiis Specierum, Synonymis Auctorum, Nominibus Incolarum, Locis Natalium, [The Swedish Fauna containing the Animals of the Kingdom of Sweden: Distributed by Classes, Orders, Genera, Species, with Differences of Species, Synonyms of Authors, Names of Inhabitants, Places of Birth,]Descriptionibus insectorum
Linnaeus, C. (1761). Fauna Suecica sistens Animalia Sueciae Regni: Distributa per Classes, Ordines, Genera, Species, cum Differentiis Specierum, Synonymis Auctorum, Nominibus Incolarum, Locis Natalium, [The Swedish Fauna containing the Animals of the Kingdom of Sweden: Distributed by Classes, Orders, Genera, Species, with Differences of Species, Synonyms of Authors, Names of Inhabitants, Places of Birth,]Descriptionibus insectorum. Editio altera, auctior. Stockholmiae, Stockhom, Sweden. 48:1-578. [Copepoda Monoculus, :497-499].
On the Polyps and Echinoderms of New England, with Descriptions of new species
Verrill AE. (1866). On the Polyps and Echinoderms of New England, with Descriptions of new species. Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History. 10: 333-364.
System der Asteriden.1. Asteriae. 2. Ophiuridae
Müller, J. and Troschel, F. H. (1842). System der Asteriden.1. Asteriae. 2. Ophiuridae. Vieweg: Braunschweig. xxx+134 pp. 12 pls.
Bemerkungen uber die Asteriden und Echiniden Ochtskischen, Kamtschatischen und Behringschen Meeres.
Brandt, J.F. (1851). Bemerkungen uber die Asteriden und Echiniden Ochtskischen, Kamtschatischen und Behringschen Meeres. A. Th. v. Middendorff, Reise in den aussersten Norden and Osten Sibiriens, etc.,. vol. 2, pt. 1; Echinodermen, Ddr. F. Brandt und E. Grube pp. 27-34.
On the species of the Linnaean genus Asterias inhabiting the coast of the U.S.
Say, T. (1825). On the species of the Linnaean genus Asterias inhabiting the coast of the U.S. Journal of the Academy of natural sciences of Philadelphia. 5, 141-154.
Asterias rubens and the British species allied thereto
Bell, F.J. (1891). Asterias rubens and the British species allied thereto. Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 6 ser. 7: 469-479.
Perrier, E. (1875). Révision de la collection de stellérides du Museum d'Histoire naturelle de Paris. Paris, Reinwald. 384 p.
Building the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN): a novel approach for the exploration of distributed alien species data.
Katsanevakis, S.; Bogucarskis, K.; Gatto, F.; Vandekerkhove, J.; Deriu, I.; Cardoso A.S. (2012). Building the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN): a novel approach for the exploration of distributed alien species data. BioInvasions Records. 1: 235-245.
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. The Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS)
Referentiematrices en Ecotoopoppervlaktes Annex bij de Evaluatiemethodiek Schelde-estuarium Studie naar “Ecotoopoppervlaktes en intactness index”. [Reference matrices and Ecotope areas Annex to the Evaluation methodology Scheldt estuary Study on “Ecotope areas and intactness index”.
Maris, T., O. Beauchard, S. Van Damme, E. Van den Bergh, S. Wijnhoven & P. Meire. (2013). Referentiematrices en Ecotoopoppervlaktes Annex bij de Evaluatiemethodiek Schelde-estuarium Studie naar “Ecotoopoppervlaktes en intactness index”. [Reference matrices and Ecotope areas Annex to the Evaluation methodology Scheldt estuary Study on “Ecotope areas and intactness index”. Monitor Taskforce Publication Series, 2013-01. NIOZ: Yerseke. 35 pp.
Marine Biology Section, Ugent. Belgium. INRAM. Benthic fauna monitoring- SSD - Belgian Science Policy.
Echinodermata, in: Costello, M.J. et al. (Ed.) (2001). European register of marine species: a check-list of the marine species in Europe and a bibliography of guides to their identification. Collection Patrimoines Naturels,
Hansson, H.G. (2001). Echinodermata, in: Costello, M.J. et al. (Ed.) (2001). European register of marine species: a check-list of the marine species in Europe and a bibliography of guides to their identification. Collection Patrimoines Naturels,. 50: pp. 336-351.
Starfishes of the Atlantic. Chapman & Hall Identification Guides, 3. Chapman & Hall
Clark, A. M.; Downey, M. E. (1992). Starfishes of the Atlantic. Chapman & Hall Identification Guides, 3. Chapman & Hall. London, UK. ISBN 0-412-43280-3. xxvi, 794 pp.
Southward, E.C.; Campbell, A.C. (2006). [Echinoderms: keys and notes for the identification of British species]. Synopses of the British fauna (new series), 56. Field Studies Council: Shrewsbury, UK. ISBN 1-85153-269-2. 272 pp.
Faune et flore du littoral du Nord, du Pas-de-Calais et de la Belgique: inventaire. [Coastal fauna and flora of the Nord, Pas-de-Calais and Belgium: inventory]
Muller, Y. (2004). Faune et flore du littoral du Nord, du Pas-de-Calais et de la Belgique: inventaire. [Coastal fauna and flora of the Nord, Pas-de-Calais and Belgium: inventory]. Commission Régionale de Biologie Région Nord Pas-de-Calais: France. 307 pp.
Alien species in the Mediterranean Sea by 2010. A contribution to the application of European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Part I. Spatial distribution.
Zenetos, A., S. Gofas, M. Verlaque, M. Cinar, J. Garcia Raso, C. Bianchi, C. Morri, E. Azzurro, M. Bilecenoglu, C. Froglia, I. Siokou, D. Violanti, A. Sfriso, G. San Martin, A. Giangrande, T. Katagan, E. Ballesteros, A. Ramos-Espla, F. Mastrototaro, O. Ocana, A. Zingone, M,. Gambi & N. Streftaris. (2010). Alien species in the Mediterranean Sea by 2010. A contribution to the application of European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Part I. Spatial distribution. Mediterranean Marine Science. 11(2): 381-493.
Cobscook Bay inventory: a historical checklist of marine invertebrates spanning 162 years
Trott, T. J. (2004). Cobscook Bay inventory: a historical checklist of marine invertebrates spanning 162 years. Northeastern Naturalist. 11, 261-324.
Additions to the annotated list of marine alien biota in the Mediterranean with special emphasis on Foraminifera and Parasites.
Zenetos, A., E. Meric, M. Verlaque, P. Galli, C.F. Boudouresque, A. Giangrande, M. Cinar & M. Bilecenoglu. (2008). Additions to the annotated list of marine alien biota in the Mediterranean with special emphasis on Foraminifera and Parasites. Mediterranean Marine Science. 9(1): 119-165.
Common starfish - Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758
Photo by Hans Hillewaert. This starfish was sampled on the Belgian Continental Shelf in 2000.
Asterias rubens and Mya arenaria shells in 15 m water depths.
Texel (NL), 20.04.2007 (C.J.M. Philippart) Characteristics used for id: - synonym: Asteria vulgaris - five arms - colour: orange-yellow - spines on arm top References: HAYWARD & RYLAND, 1998; SCHAEFER, 2002 Checked by A. Gittenberger (Naturalis, Leiden, NL)
from Norway. Find more pictures on www.medslugs.de/E/Photographers/Peter_Wirtz.htm#photos.
from Isle of Man. Find more pictures on www.medslugs.de/E/Photographers/Peter_Wirtz.htm#photos.
Foto taken during "Expedition Zeeleeuw" 16-20 April 2007. Locality: Belgian part of the North Sea.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Melisa Wong
20th July 2012- Sampling at Viana do Castelo
Koksijde (Ster der Zee), Belgium 17 january 2016
Dorsal view on the seastar Asterias rubens, Linnaeus 1758 in Port Bickerton (45°05’20.46”N 61°41’36.98”W), Nova Scotia, Canada. Picture taken on 28 June 2017.
Ventral view on the seastar Asterias rubens, Linnaeus 1758 in Port Bickerton (45°05’20.46”N 61°41’36.98”W), Nova Scotia, Canada. Picture taken on 28 June 2017.
Dorsal view on the seastar Asterias rubens, Linnaeus 1758 in Torbay Beach Provincial Park (45°10’58.33”N 61°21’15.46”W), Nova Scotia, Canada. Picture taken on 25 August 2016.
Picture taken in Western Head (43°59’30.14”N 64°39’37.85”W), Nova Scotia, Canada on 22 August 2017.
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - North West Atlantic
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - North Sea
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Belgian Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Oostende
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Westerschelde
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Birkenfels (shipwreck)
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - British Isles
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Calais
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - French Exclusive Economic Zone [Atlantic part]
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Grevelingen
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - West Coast of Norway
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Oosterschelde
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Voordelta
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Trondheim
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - United States part of the North Atlantic Ocean
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Sargasso Sea
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Cape Hatteras
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Florida
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Bay of Biscay
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Moroccan Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - North American Basin
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - West European Basin
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Greenland
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Arctic Ocean
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Portuguese Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - South Carolina
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Cape Cod
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Labrador Basin
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - North East Atlantic
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - West Africa
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Wimereux
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Gulf of Mexico
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Yucatan
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Newfoundland Basin
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Norwegian Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Kattegat
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Rockall Trough
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Oostduinkerke
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - De Haan
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Irish Exclusive economic Zone
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Saguenay Fjord
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Gulf of St. Lawrence
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Bosporus
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Turkish part of the Black Sea
Distribution for Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758 - Marmara Sea
Alien
Species introduced by man into places out of their natural range of distribution
Uncertain
Species whose invasiveness is uncertain
Not specified
A species whose 'invasiveness' has not been specified in its introduced range. The species is known to be present and has been reported but there is no comment on its invasiveness
Reported
Species that are 'reported' to be present but with no further information
Species which may be listed as alien or introduced but whose occurrence has not been specified
Established
Species that have become established in their introduced range