Types of Starfish in Delaware

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 central disc can reach 4-5 inches across, and the arms extend another 2-3 inches. The northern sea star (Asterias rubens) looks similar but usually has a narrower arm base and a more reddish tint, with arms that taper more gradually to a point. Both species share overlapping habitats, so you often see them in the same tide pools or wrack lines. A less common but possible find is the common sunstar, which has six or more arms instead of five, though these are rare in Delaware waters.

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 in clusters. The bay side of the state, like the shores of the Delaware Bay near Slaughter Beach, also turns up starfish, though less consistently than the ocean beaches. Rehoboth Beach and South Bethany are secondary hotspots when conditions are right. Start by checking the wrack line or low tide pools for the best odds. The wrack line, that dark line of seaweed and debris, often contains dozens of starfish after a storm. 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. December and January are peak months. Summer sightings are possible but less predictable; you usually have to search during extreme low tides in July or August to find them in tide pools. The highest probability is after a nor'easter in December or January, when the wrack line can be littered with them. Spring and early fall are hit-or-miss. Plan your beach walk within 12-24 hours of a storm for the best results. Learn more about starfishbehavior and habitat.

4. How can you tell different starfish species apart?

The key field marks are arm shape, color pattern, and spine arrangement. Forbes' sea stars have short, thick arms that taper gradually to a blunt tip and are more strong overall. Northern sea stars have arms that are more slender at the base and taper to a sharper point. Look at the spines: Forbes' have spines arranged in a single row along each arm, while northern sea stars have two or three rows per arm, giving them a rougher texture. Check the underside (ventral surface): the tube feet of Forbes' are arranged in two columns, northern have four columns. This is the surest field mark. 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. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

5. What should you do once you find a starfish on the beach?

If the starfish is alive (check for movement of tube feet or gentle suction on your palm), you can gently return it to the water below the tide line. This is especially important during winter storms when starfish are stranded far up the beach. 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 or a teaching tool. Always check local regulations; in Delaware state parks, collecting live starfish is prohibited. Do not attempt to relocate a starfish by hand more than 10-15 feet; it is disorienting for the animal.

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. The disease has caused dramatic population crashes in the Pacific Northwest but has so far spared Delaware's populations. That said, keep an eye out for any signs of disease when you visit the beach.

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, as starfish depend on water pressure in their hydraulic system to keep their tube feet functioning. Dead starfish are safe to touch but may be sharp and brittle. In state parks, leave live ones where you found them. Never place a starfish on dry sand or rock; the exposure causes immediate stress and can be lethal within minutes.

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 (hence the name). They move with a snake-like motion. True starfish (class Asteroidea) have thicker, less flexible arms and move using tube feet, which you can see on their underside as hundreds of tiny suction cups. In Delaware, brittle stars are less common in the intertidal zone but can be found in deeper waters. Brittle stars are also far more delicate and should not be handled. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.

10. How do starfish regenerate lost arms?

Starfish can regrow lost arms through a process called autotomy. If a starfish loses an arm to a predator or injury, it can regenerate a new one over several months. Forbes' sea stars can regrow a complete arm in 6-12 months, though the new arm is usually smaller than the original. If you find a starfish with an arm that looks stubbier or different in color, it is likely a regenerating arm. In rare cases, a detached arm can even regenerate into a partial new body if the arm fragment contains part of the central nerve ring, though this is uncommon in Delaware populations.

11. What predators hunt starfish in Delaware waters?

Sea stars have few natural predators in Delaware, but octopuses, large crabs, and certain fish will attack and eat them. Gulls occasionally peck at beached starfish, though they find the tough skin difficult to crack. The biggest threat to Delaware starfish is the sea star wasting disease mentioned earlier, a virus that causes tissue necrosis. Humans have historically harvested starfish for bait or to remove them from shellfishing grounds, but this practice has declined. Warming water temperatures in the Atlantic may also stress starfish populations over time, though this is still an area of active research.