Mediterranean red sea star (Lat. Echinaster sepositus). It is found at depths of 1 to 250 m (3–820 ft) in a wide range of habitats, including rocky, sandy and muddy bottoms, and sea grass meadows. It has five relatively slender arms around a small central disc. It usually has a diameter of up to 20 cm (8 in), but can exceptionally reach up to 30 cm (12 in). It is a bright orange-red in colour, and has a soapy surface texture. There are also irregularly distributed elevations and craters from which the animal can extend its deep papulae (red gills) which help for respiration. It feeds mostly onbiofilms, encrusting invertebrates, such as sponges, and microalgae. Eggs are directly developing to young starfishes. There is no larval state.