Asterias rubens can bend any one of its arms by more than 45 degrees.

The word echinoderm means "spiny skinned" in Latin.

Asterias rubens is one of the most tolerant species of echinoderms to low salinity levels. It has the capability to survive in the Baltic sea with the salinity at just 15%!

Respiration in Asterias rubens actually happens by diffusion through the skin and the tube feet.

Asterias rubens, and all other echinoderms, don't have a brain! They have a nerve ring that coordinates all of their bodily functions.

Send questions or comments to richards.mic2@students.uwlax.edu