Types of Starfish in Maryland
Yes, starfish (sea stars) are found along Maryland's Atlantic coast and in the Chesapeake Bay. The region supports two primary species, Forbes's sea star and northern sea star, plus occasional visitors like blood stars and speckled sea stars. The best places to start are Assateague Island National Seashore and the coastal bays around Ocean City, where you can explore rocky jetties, tide pools, and seagrass beds during low tide. Late spring through early fall offers the warmest water and most reliable sightings.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- September, October, August
- peak months
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
115,079 verified observations on iNaturalist of starfish have been recorded in Maryland, most often in September, October, August.
When starfish are recorded in Maryland
Yes, starfish (sea stars) are found along Maryland's Atlantic coast and in the Chesapeake Bay. The region supports two primary species, Forbes's sea star and northern sea star, plus occasional visitors like blood stars and speckled sea stars. The best places to start are Assateague Island National Seashore and the coastal bays around Ocean City, where you can explore rocky jetties, tide pools, and seagrass beds during low tide. Late spring through early fall offers the warmest water and most reliable sightings.
1. What species of starfish can you find in Maryland?
Maryland's coastal waters host a handful of sea star species. The most commonly seen are the Forbes's sea star (Asterias forbesi) and the northern sea star (Asterias rubens). Both have five arms and range from brown to orange. Less frequent visitors include the blood star (Henricia sanguinolenta) with a bright red body and the speckled sea star (Orasterias species). Check out our starfish species overview for detailed identification tips.
2. How do Forbes's and northern sea stars differ in appearance?
Forbes's sea star has short, blunt arms with a small central disk, and its color varies from olive to brick red. It typically reaches 4 to 7 inches across. Northern sea star has a proportionally smaller disk and longer, tapering arms, often orange or brown, and grows slightly larger at 5 to 10 inches. A quick field mark: the northern sea star's aboral surface (top) feels rougher due to tiny spines, while Forbes's feels smoother. Both species have tube feet underneath that cling to rocks. When viewed from above, northern sea stars often appear more angular, while Forbes's looks more evenly rounded.
3. Where in Maryland do people typically spot starfish?
The highest odds of seeing starfish in Maryland are along the Atlantic coast rather than the upper Chesapeake Bay. Assateague Island, especially around the jetties at the north end, holds solid populations. Also try the stone jetties at Ocean City Inlet and the tidal flats near Sinepuxent Bay. In the lower Chesapeake, the eastern shore around Smith Island and Tangier Sound can produce sightings. For a broader look at Maryland's coastal wildlife, visit our wildlife/maryland hub.
4. What is the best season and time to look for starfish in Maryland?
Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the warmest water and most reliable sightings. This is when Forbes's and northern sea stars are most active and visible in shallow areas. Low tide is your best window when tide pools and exposed rocks reveal clinging sea stars, plan your visits to arrive 1-2 hours before low tide. In winter, starfish often move to deeper water, but you may still find them on jetties during mild spells. Dawn and early morning often provide calmer water and better visibility for spotting sea stars among rocks and seagrass.
5. What other animals are often confused with starfish in Maryland?
Beginners sometimes mistake brittle stars (Ophiuroidea) for true starfish. Brittle stars have long, slender, highly flexible arms that contrast sharply with the central disk; true starfish arms are thicker and less flexible. Cushion stars (often in the Asterinidae family) have short arms and a puffy body. They are rare in Maryland but may turn up on Assateague. Always check arm count and flexibility to separate lookalikes. Sea urchins, with their spiny spheres, are easily distinguished from all starfish.
6. Do starfish behavior and feeding patterns vary by species?
Forbes's sea star is an aggressive predator, feeding on bivalves and other sea stars; it can open clam shells wider than its own mouth by forcing the two shells apart and everting its stomach into the gap. Northern sea star shares this predatory habit and will also consume detritus. Both species are slow-moving but persistent hunters, often remaining on the same rocky substrate for days. They move via hundreds of tube feet that work in coordinated waves. During spawning season (late spring), both species release gametes into the water column, and fertilized larvae drift as plankton before settling back into coastal habitats as juveniles.
7. Are starfish protected or regulated in Maryland?
Maryland's starfish are not protected under state law, and they are not on the endangered species list. However, the Chesapeake Bay Program and Maryland Department of Natural Resources monitor sea star populations as part of coastal ecosystem health assessments. Responsible observation is encouraged: never pull a starfish off a rock, as you may tear its tube feet. If you gently handle one, keep it submerged or return it within a minute. Avoid handling during spawning season (late spring) as stress may cause them to expel gametes. Place them back exactly where you found them so they can reattach and continue feeding.
8. What gear makes starfish spotting easier?
A pair of polarized sunglasses cuts glare on the water, making submerged sea stars pop. A simple tide chart app helps you plan when low tide exposes the best habitat. Many experienced beachcombers carry a waterproof field guide or a phone with offline photos. A mesh collection bag allows you to gather small shells and rocks without harming marine life. Wear water shoes with good grip for navigating slippery jetties and rocky shores. If you want to celebrate your find later, consider a starfish-themed tote bag to carry your gear.
9. What other marine creatures are often seen alongside starfish?
Maryland's shallow tidal zones host hermit crabs, mud snails, green crabs, and small fish like mummichogs. You may also spot moon jellyfish drifting in warmer months. Eelgrass beds attract pipefish and seahorses, though they are harder to find. Sea anemones, particularly the frilled anemone, often cling to the same rocks as starfish. When a starfish encounters an anemone, both retreat to avoid being consumed. For a broader picture of Maryland's saltwater life, browse our wildlife/maryland hub.
10. What Easy Street Markets picks fit this page?
Starfish Whisperer Long Sleeve T-Shirt []() A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide. Check Price and Availability
Blue Watercolor Beach Art Prints: Sea Turtle, Shell, Palm, Starfish (Digital Download) []() A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide. Check Price and Availability
Starfish SVG Bundle Silhouette Clipart, Decal Vector (Digital Download) []() A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide. Check Price and Availability
Frequently asked questions
1. What species of starfish can you find in Maryland?+
Maryland's coastal waters host a handful of sea star species. The most commonly seen are the Forbes's sea star (Asterias forbesi) and the northern sea star (Asterias rubens). Both have five arms and range from brown to orange. Less frequent visitors include the blood star (Henricia sanguinolenta) with a bright red body and the speckled sea star (Orasterias species). Check out our starfish species overview for detailed identification tips.
2. How do Forbes's and northern sea stars differ in appearance?+
Forbes's sea star has short, blunt arms with a small central disk, and its color varies from olive to brick red. It typically reaches 4 to 7 inches across. Northern sea star has a proportionally smaller disk and longer, tapering arms, often orange or brown, and grows slightly larger at 5 to 10 inches. A quick field mark: the northern sea star's aboral surface (top) feels rougher due to tiny spines, while Forbes's feels smoother. Both species have tube feet underneath that cling to rocks. When viewed from above, northern sea stars often appear more angular, while Forbes's looks more evenly rounded.
3. Where in Maryland do people typically spot starfish?+
The highest odds of seeing starfish in Maryland are along the Atlantic coast rather than the upper Chesapeake Bay. Assateague Island, especially around the jetties at the north end, holds solid populations. Also try the stone jetties at Ocean City Inlet and the tidal flats near Sinepuxent Bay. In the lower Chesapeake, the eastern shore around Smith Island and Tangier Sound can produce sightings. For a broader look at Maryland's coastal wildlife, visit our wildlife/maryland hub.
4. What is the best season and time to look for starfish in Maryland?+
Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the warmest water and most reliable sightings. This is when Forbes's and northern sea stars are most active and visible in shallow areas. Low tide is your best window when tide pools and exposed rocks reveal clinging sea stars, plan your visits to arrive 1-2 hours before low tide. In winter, starfish often move to deeper water, but you may still find them on jetties during mild spells. Dawn and early morning often provide calmer water and better visibility for spotting sea stars among rocks and seagrass.
5. What other animals are often confused with starfish in Maryland?+
Beginners sometimes mistake brittle stars (Ophiuroidea) for true starfish. Brittle stars have long, slender, highly flexible arms that contrast sharply with the central disk; true starfish arms are thicker and less flexible. Cushion stars (often in the Asterinidae family) have short arms and a puffy body. They are rare in Maryland but may turn up on Assateague. Always check arm count and flexibility to separate lookalikes. Sea urchins, with their spiny spheres, are easily distinguished from all starfish.
6. Do starfish behavior and feeding patterns vary by species?+
Forbes's sea star is an aggressive predator, feeding on bivalves and other sea stars; it can open clam shells wider than its own mouth by forcing the two shells apart and everting its stomach into the gap. Northern sea star shares this predatory habit and will also consume detritus. Both species are slow-moving but persistent hunters, often remaining on the same rocky substrate for days. They move via hundreds of tube feet that work in coordinated waves. During spawning season (late spring), both species release gametes into the water column, and fertilized larvae drift as plankton before settling back into coastal habitats as juveniles.
7. Are starfish protected or regulated in Maryland?+
Maryland's starfish are not protected under state law, and they are not on the endangered species list. However, the Chesapeake Bay Program and Maryland Department of Natural Resources monitor sea star populations as part of coastal ecosystem health assessments. Responsible observation is encouraged: never pull a starfish off a rock, as you may tear its tube feet. If you gently handle one, keep it submerged or return it within a minute. Avoid handling during spawning season (late spring) as stress may cause them to expel gametes. Place them back exactly where you found them so they can reattach and continue feeding.
8. What gear makes starfish spotting easier?+
A pair of polarized sunglasses cuts glare on the water, making submerged sea stars pop. A simple tide chart app helps you plan when low tide exposes the best habitat. Many experienced beachcombers carry a waterproof field guide or a phone with offline photos. A mesh collection bag allows you to gather small shells and rocks without harming marine life. Wear water shoes with good grip for navigating slippery jetties and rocky shores. If you want to celebrate your find later, consider a starfish-themed tote bag to carry your gear.
9. What other marine creatures are often seen alongside starfish?+
Maryland's shallow tidal zones host hermit crabs, mud snails, green crabs, and small fish like mummichogs. You may also spot moon jellyfish drifting in warmer months. Eelgrass beds attract pipefish and seahorses, though they are harder to find. Sea anemones, particularly the frilled anemone, often cling to the same rocks as starfish. When a starfish encounters an anemone, both retreat to avoid being consumed. For a broader picture of Maryland's saltwater life, browse our wildlife/maryland hub.
10. What Easy Street Markets picks fit this page?+
### Starfish Whisperer Long Sleeve T-Shirt []() A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide. Check Price and Availability ### Blue Watercolor Beach Art Prints: Sea Turtle, Shell, Palm, Starfish (Digital Download) []() A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide. Check Price and Availability ### Starfish SVG Bundle Silhouette Clipart, Decal Vector (Digital Download) []() A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide. Check Price and Availability
Keep exploring
More places to see starfish
More wildlife in Maryland