Antarctic Starfish

Odontaster validus can grow to about 10 cm (4 in) in diameter. The disc is broad, thick and cushion-like, creased by interambulacral grooves. There is a large madreporite near the centre and the surface is covered in small granulations organised in radial rows. The five short arms are wide at the base tapering sharply and the tip is often raised off the substrate showing the pale coloured tube feet beneath. The colour of the upper or aboral surface is plain red while the underside is pink.

Odontaster validus is the most common sea star found in Antarctica. Its range includes the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, the South Orkney Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the Shag Rocks, the Prince Edward Islands and Bouvet Island. It is found at depths down to 900 metres.