Marine life in Barnegat Bay that affect shellfish

Echinoderms

Starfish

Phylum Echinodermata    

 Echinoderms are a phylum of marine animals. The adults are recognizable by their radial symmetry, and include such well-known animals as starfish, sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers.

Forbes Sea Star Asterias forbesi

The forbes sea star is common in the shallow waters of Barnegat Bay. Although they can be found in abundance, they do not form colonies. They prefer a rocky bottom but will venture almost anywhere to find prey.

The forbes sea star grows to a length of almost 6 inches. The arms are plump, broad at the base and tapering to a blunt tip each of which reach the length of about 2.4 inches.  They are tan, brown, or olive with tones of orange, red, or pink.