Ochre Sea Star at Whalers Cove

The predatory ochre sea star feeds on mussels by opening up the shell and extending its stomach into it it.  Digestive enzymes make a smoothie of mussel and absorbed by the sea star before retracting it stomach back into its body.  A true 'out of body' experience! The ochre star species ranges in the intertidal area from Alaska to Baja California. There is a a lot to observe: Patterns, colors, location... Questions to ponder...What is the role of this predator in the intertidal areas, and how is this important to the health of this ecosystem?