Against my better judgment, I continue with the cute baby pictures.
This is a Leptasterias pusilla, or six-rayed star, from Greyhound Rock about 15 miles north of Santa Cruz. Pusilla is Latin for eentsy-weentsy. Apparently, they can get to be a few inches across, but that’s about it. This one was nosing around the sea lettuce in the minus-tide tidepools brought on by the new moon.
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Um…. I wish I had something scientific to say, but I don’t. That little guy is super-cute. Why are they so small? What do they munch?
Hey Jenn, I’m not sure why exactly they’re so small, unless it makes getting into the teeniest cracks in the mudstone reefs a little easier. And despite their cuteness, they are actually merciless flesh-eaters, going after all manner of snails, limpets, and mussels. If I hadn’t dropped that little blighter right after taking the photo, I might not be here to tell the tale…
How can I get a copy of cute baby #3?
Hi Monica,
You can copy cute baby #3 by right-clicking on the image and selecting “save a copy.” If you want something higher resolution, send me an e-mail and let me know what size you’re hoping for. If you post this picture somewhere, it would be great if you would include a link back here. Thanks!
Hugh