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An Ochre, Ochre Sea Star!
Ochre or in this case specifically yellow ochre is coloured by iron hydroxide. Yellow ochre was used as a pigment for drawing pictographs by the local First Nations people and is the one I am accustomed to seeing.There also is red or purple ochre depending on the iron oxide that makes up the pigment. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ochre
It is quite unusual to see an actual ochre Pisaster ochraceus.
''Pisaster ochraceus'', generally known as the purple sea star, ochre sea star, or ochre starfish, is a common starfish found among the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Identified as a keystone species, ''P. ochraceus'' is considered an important indicator for the health of the intertidal zone.
Similar species: Forcipulatida
By gary fast
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Uploaded Aug 29, 2019. Captured Aug 28, 2019 10:44 in 315 Whaletown Rd, Whaletown, BC V0P 1Z0, Canada.
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Whether you call them sea stars or starfish, these invertebrates are easily recognized thanks to their unique, five-armed shape. These two photos are of the same species: the ochre sea star (Pisaster ochraceus), which makes its home in the intertidal zone of the Pacific Ocean. Their vibrant colors range from bright orange to purple, or even a combination of the two!
Ochre sea stars are keystone species because they have a disproportionately profound influence on other species in their ecosystems. A large part of their influence is because they voraciously predate upon the California mussel (Mytilus californianus), thus reducing its abundance and allowing other microinvertebrates to thrive, producing a diverse intertidal community. They are important indicators of the health of the intertidal zone. This is why the ochre sea star’s rapid destruction from sea star wasting syndrome, a disease that causes sea stars to rapidly disintegrate and die, is so alarming. Since 2013, sea stars along the North American Pacific coast have been dying in large numbers from this mysterious syndrome, the cause of which is still unknown. Evidence suggests that it could be brought on by a bacterium, virus, fungus, or by warmer water temperatures caused by climate change.
There have been some signs of recovery, especially along the northern Pacific coast, where some juvenile sea stars have been spotted. But, their numbers are few and their performance has not yet returned to pre-disease levels. Interestingly, scientists have noticed genetic changes among the new generations. These changes appear to be part of a significant selection event that will culminate in a species-wide change, which will persist through future generations. Hopefully, the product of this genetic change will be resilient future generations that are more resistant to disease outbreaks. Microevolution in action! {Spotted in British Columbia, Canada by JungleDragon user, Gary Fast} #JungleDragon Posted 6 years ago