Starfish in BVI???

[FairWaterDiver]

I was diving in the British Virgin Islands last week, and came across this creature that resembles a starfish, but I can't find it in my books. It was about 3 - 4 inches across and was located in around 45 feet of water. Does anyone know what it is?

 

[designbysue]

Crown of Thornes?

 

[FairWaterDiver]

I thought about that, but it was smooth. Can they put down their thorns?

 

[pro99line]

Possibly a juvenile Sunflower Starfish.

 

[Scuba Monkey]

It looks like a type of turban snail, possibly the longspine starsnail (Astralium phoebium).

 

[Rick Murchison]

It looks like a type of turban snail, possibly the longspine starsnail (Astralium phoebium).

By golly I think you're right! It's been stumping me for days... just not making sense for a BVI seastar. Now all comes clear!
Thanks.
Rick

 

[FairWaterDiver]

I think that's it!!!! Thank you so much.

 

[archman]

Good tip with echinoderms (like starfish): They won't have algae fuzz growing on them.

Only exceptions I can think of for West Atlantic echinoderms: urchins that deliberately cover their tops with debris (sea eggs, variegated urchins, some sea biscuits), and slate pencil urchin spines (this species doesn't have live tissue coating/protecting the spines).