About

The name bloody henry starfish actually refers to two very similar starfish, Henricia oculata and Henricia sanguinolenta. This is because it is incredibly difficult to distinguish between the two, especially when seen underwater! The bloody henry starfish is sometimes found in rockpools at very low tides and lives on the seabed down to depths of over 100m. Despite its deceptive name, the Bloody henry starfish is less predatory than other starfish, feeding mainly on floating plankton and suspended matter. Though it will prey on sponges and other invertebrates if necessary! They are usually a bright purply-red colour (where they get their name from), but can also be brown, lavender or dark red. They sometimes have a blotchy pattern, like they've been covered in paint.