October 25, 2021: "Ravioli" Sea Star
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Windows to the Deep 2019. Download larger version (jpg, 1.1 MB).
In honor of World Pasta Day, meet the “ravioli” sea star. This goniasterid sea star, Plinthaster dentatus, was encountered multiple times during the Windows to the Deep 2019: Exploration of the Deep-sea Habitats of the Southeastern United States expedition. This species stands out because the arms and disk are nearly confluent, thus presenting a more pentagonal shape relative to other sea stars. And it does indeed look a bit like a tasty ravioli!
From: A FIVE Star Salute for the Fourth of July!.