A medium-sized, bright orange-red starfish with five slender tapering arms and a small disc. The surface of the body is soapy in texture, with regular indentations, from which groups of dark red papullae (gill structures) can be extended. The maximum diameter of Echinaster sepositus reaches 20 cmSimilar in overall shape to Henricia oculata, but the soft, soapy surface and bright orange coloration are very distinctive. Adult Henricia oculata is also smaller in diameter.

A medium-sized, bright orange-red starfish with five regular arms and a small disc. The surface of the body is soapy in texture, with regular indentations from which groups of dark red papulae can be extended. The arms taper less than those of Henricia oculata. Up to 20cm. in diameter. Similar in overall shape to Henricia oculata, but the soft, soapy surface and bright orange coloration are very distinctive.

Not known at the present from the British Isles but may be expected to arrive in southern England and Ireland. Subllittoral among algae or Zostera

British Isles, Cape Verde, Ireland, Mediterranean Sea, North East Atlantic, South England

Only found on the French side of the English Channel. Common in the Bay of Morlaix, Brittany, and south to the Mediterranean, where it is one of the commonest starfish.

Depth range based on 59 specimens in 3 taxa.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 44 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 3 - 173
  Temperature range (°C): 15.864 - 19.656
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.729 - 1.692
  Salinity (PPS): 37.537 - 37.969
  Oxygen (ml/l): 5.242 - 5.382
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.112 - 0.275
  Silicate (umol/l): 1.778 - 3.305

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 3 - 173

Temperature range (°C): 15.864 - 19.656

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.729 - 1.692

Salinity (PPS): 37.537 - 37.969

Oxygen (ml/l): 5.242 - 5.382

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.112 - 0.275

Silicate (umol/l): 1.778 - 3.305
 
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 Commonly found on rocky substrata in both sheltered and moderately exposed conditions. Also found on muddy, sandy or mixed substrates and amongst eel grass beds. Not found at depths below 200 m.

A common starfish on rocky substrata in both sheltered and moderately exposed conditions.

Large red eggs. Summer