These small seastars cannot be positively identified to species without examining the tiny spinlets on the body, but since A. anomala has been generally used for these Pacific animals and its recorded distribution, as listed in O'Loughlin & Rowe (2006), is the only species that includes the Marshalls, we will continue to use that name here. These are sometimes quite common under rocks on lagoon reefs and pinnacles. They are often irregular in shape and number of arms, as though they are constantly breaking up and regenerating. They also vary in color. The first one probably measured about 15mm.
Darker in color than the typical orange ones we see.
This zoomed in and sharpened image showing the spinelets seems to confirm the ID as Aquilonastra anomala.
Near a stand of small maroon and yellow tunicates.
A darker one mixed in with the lighter orange stars.
Sometimes you can find a cluster of these small stars under a rock.
Updated 3 December 2020
Updated 8 February 2024