Starfish in New York: identification guide and where to start looking
Yes, starfish (sea stars) are found along New York's coastal waters, especially around Long Island. To identify them, look for five arms, a central disk, and a rough, spiny texture. Start your search on rocky shores and jetties at low tide.
Yes, starfish (sea stars) are found along New York's coastal waters, especially around Long Island. To identify them, look for five arms, a central disk, and a rough, spiny texture. Start your search on rocky shores and jetties at low tide.
1. What are the key identification features of starfish found in New York?
The most common starfish in New York is the Forbes's sea star (*Asterias forbesi*). Look for five arms that taper to a blunt point, a central disk, and a reddish-brown to purple color. The surface feels rough due to small spines. The underside has hundreds of tube feet that help it move and cling to rocks.
See ourStarfish guidefor the next step.
In New York, starfish sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. Where in New York are you most likely to spot starfish?
Your best odds are along the south shore of Long Island, especially at Montauk Point, Jones Beach, and Rockaway Beach. Starfish cling to jetties, pilings, and tide pools below the low tide line. Also check the rocky shores of the North Shore and the eastern end of the island. Start your search on thewildlife in New Yorkpage for more local spots.
3. When is the best time of year to see starfish in New York?
Late spring through early fall offers the best sightings, especially after a low tide that exposes intertidal zones. Early morning or late afternoon after an onshore wind increases your chances. Storms can wash starfish onto beaches, but those are often dead.
4. How can you tell a common starfish from a similar lookalike?
The most likely lookalike is the northern starfish (*Asterias rubens*), but it's less common. A key difference: *A. forbesi* has a more pronounced central disk and shorter arms. Brittle stars look similar but have long, thin arms that break off easily. If you find a starfish with six or seven arms, it's likely a damaged common starfish, not a different species. For more ID details, see thestarfish identification guide.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. What should you do if you find a starfish on the beach?
If the starfish is alive (firm body, tube feet moving), gently place it back in the water below the low tide line. Avoid pulling it off rocks, as that can damage its tube feet. Dead starfish are brittle and often smell; you can take those home for closer inspection. Always check local regulations - some areas forbid collecting live sea creatures.
6. What gear is helpful for starfish spotting in New York?
A pair of waterproof boots or waders lets you wade safely. A clear plastic bucket helps you examine specimens without handling them too much. A tide chart app on your phone is essential for timing low tides. You can also bring a field guide to seashore life. For carrying your gear, a sturdywildlife tote bagis a practical choice.
7. Where can I find starfish-themed gear to celebrate my sightings?
If you want to remember your find, check out these starfish-inspired items:
### Starfish Whisperer Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Perfect for a day at the beach, this shirt shows off your love for sea stars.Check Price and Availability
### Blue Watercolor Beach Art Prints: Sea Turtle, Shell, Palm, Starfish (Digital Download)
Brighten your wall with these ocean-themed digital prints.Check Price and Availability
### Starfish SVG Bundle: Silhouette Clipart, Decal Vector (Digital Download)
Great for crafting or customizing your gear with starfish decals.Check Price and Availability
8. Are starfish common in New York waters?
Yes, especially *Asterias forbesi* is common along the entire coast. However, populations have declined due to wasting disease and warming waters. You can still find them reliably on rocky shores, but numbers vary year to year.
9. Can you find starfish in fresh water in New York?
No. All starfish are marine animals and cannot survive in fresh water. If you're inland, you'll only see them in aquariums, like at the New York Aquarium in Brooklyn.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.