Types of Starfish in Delaware: identification guide and where to start looking
Delaware's coast is home to a few common starfish species, most often the Forbes' sea star and the northern sea star. The best odds for a sighting are along the Atlantic beaches and bay shores, especially after a storm. This guide covers the species you can expect and how to tell them apart.
Delaware's coast is home to a few common starfish species, most often the Forbes' sea star and the northern sea star. The best odds for a sighting are along the Atlantic beaches and bay shores, especially after a storm. This guide covers the species you can expect and how to tell them apart.
1. What types of starfish are most common in Delaware?
Two species account for nearly all starfish sightings along the Delaware coast. The Forbes' sea star (Asterias forbesi) is the most frequently observed. It has a thick, stout body with five arms and a tan to olive-green color, often with a bright orange central disc. The northern sea star (Asterias rubens) looks similar but usually has a narrower arm base and a more reddish tint. Both species share overlapping habitats, so you often see them in the same tide pools or wrack lines.
2. Where in Delaware do people usually spot starfish first?
Most Delaware starfish sightings happen on the ocean side, especially around Cape Henlopen State Park and the beaches near Lewes. After a strong northeast storm, starfish wash up on the sand at Cape Henlopen's walking beach. The bay side of the state, like the shores of the Delaware Bay near Slaughter Beach, also turns up starfish, though less consistently. Start by checking the wrack line or low tide pools for the best odds. For more on Delaware's coastal wildlife, see theDelaware wildlife hub.
3. When is the best season for confident starfish sightings in Delaware?
Late fall and winter are actually the most reliable windows for starfish finds. From November through March, storms churn up the bay and ocean, pushing starfish onto the beach. Summer sightings are possible but less predictable; you usually have to search during extreme low tides in July or August. The highest probability is after a nor'easter in December or January, when the wrack line can be littered with them. Learn more about starfishbehavior and habitat.
4. How can you tell different starfish species apart?
The key field marks are arm shape and color pattern. Forbes' sea stars have short, thick arms that taper gradually to a blunt tip. Northern sea stars have arms that are more slender at the base. Look at the spines: Forbes' have spines arranged in a single row along each arm, while northern sea stars have two or three rows. Also check the underside: the tube feet of Forbes' are arranged in two columns, northern have four columns. If you find a starfish with six or more arms, it might be a common sunstar, but those are rare in Delaware. For a detailed breakdown of starfish types, visit thetypes page.
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5. What should you do once you find a starfish on the beach?
If the starfish is alive (check for movement of tube feet), you can gently return it to the water below the tide line. Handling should be minimal: wet your hands before touching and avoid pulling on arms. Dead starfish are brittle and will break easily. If you find a dried specimen, it can make a great scientific reference for identification practice. Always check local regulations; in Delaware state parks, collecting live starfish is prohibited.
6. What gear or resources can help with starfish identification?
Carrying a simple field guide or a printed reference card helps. On screen, these digital downloads pair well with your beach trip:
### Starfish Whisperer Long Sleeve T-Shirt
A comfortable long sleeve shirt with a starfish print that keeps you warm during those cold winter beach walks when starfish are most common.Check Price and Availability
### Blue Watercolor Beach Art Prints: Sea Turtle, Shell, Palm, Starfish (Digital Download)
A digital print that includes a starfish illustration for easy reference at home or on your device.Check Price and Availability
### Starfish SVG Bundle: Silhouette Clipart, Decal Vector (Digital Download)
A set of vector files useful for making your own flashcards or comparison sheets for the different starfish species.Check Price and Availability
For more ideas, browse thetote bagsand other starfish-themed items.
7. Are starfish endangered in Delaware?
No. Both Forbes' sea star and northern sea star are common along the Atlantic coast. However, sea star wasting disease has affected populations in other regions, so scientists monitor Delaware's beaches. If you see a starfish with lesions or arms falling off, report it to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources.
8. Can you touch starfish on Delaware beaches?
Yes, but with care. Live starfish are delicate. Wet your hands before handling and support the body gently. Avoid removing them from the water for long periods. Dead starfish are safe to touch but may be sharp and brittle. In state parks, leave live ones where you found them.
9. What is the difference between a starfish and a brittle star?
Brittle stars (class Ophiuroidea) have long, thin, flexible arms that break off easily. They move with a snake-like motion. True starfish (class Asteroidea) have thicker, less flexible arms and move using tube feet. In Delaware, brittle stars are less common in the intertidal zone but can be found in deeper waters.
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