Notes on starfish on an Essex oyster bed

Abstract

In a previous paper (Hancock, 1955) an account was given of the feeding behaviour of the starfish Asterias rubens L. and the common sunstar Solaster papposus (L.) on Essex oyster beds. In discussion, it was stated that there was no evidence that, in the conditions described, a cultivated oyster ground provided a greater attraction than an uncultivated one. The present work was undertaken to provide information on this subject, and also on the movements, growth and ecological relationships of starfish. Further experiments were made on feeding behaviour, particularly of the young starfish.