| Pisaster ochraceus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Ganges Harbour, British Columbia | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Asteroidea |
| Order: | Forcipulatida |
| Family: | Asteriidae |
| Genus: | Pisaster |
| Species: | P. ochraceus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pisaster ochraceus | |
Pisaster ochraceus, generally known as the purple sea star, ochre sea star, or ochre starfish, is a common seastar 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.[2]
- ^ Christopher Mah (2010). Mah CL (ed.). "Pisaster ochraceus (Brandt, 1835)". World Asteroidea database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ Power, M. E.; Tilman, D.; Estes, J. A.; Menge, B. A.; Bond, W. J.; Mills, L. S.; Daily, G.; Castilla, J. C.; Lubchenco, J.; Paine, R. T. (1996). "Challenges in the Quest for Keystones". BioScience. 46 (8): 609–620. doi:10.2307/1312990. JSTOR 1312990.