BIOTIC Species Information for Henricia oculata
Researched byAngus Jackson Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byDr A.C. Campbell
Taxonomy
Scientific nameHenricia oculata Common nameBloody Henry starfish
MCS CodeZB83 Recent SynonymsNone
PhylumEchinodermata SubphylumAsterozoa
Superclass ClassAsteroidea
Subclass OrderSpinulosida
Suborder FamilyEchinasteridae
GenusHenricia Speciesoculata
Subspecies   
Additional InformationSometimes confused with Henricia sanguinolenta.
Taxonomy References Howson & Picton, 1997, Campbell, 1994, Brun, 1976,
General Biology
Growth formStellate
 Feeding methodOmnivore
Passive suspension feeder
Mobility/MovementCrawler
 Environmental positionEpifaunal
Typical food typesSuspended matter, detritus layer, sponges, hydroids, ectoprocts HabitFree living
BioturbatorNot relevant FlexibilityLow (10-45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeMedium(11-20 cm)
Height Growth Rate0.3 - 1 % body wt/day
Adult dispersal potential1km-10km DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional InformationSize at maturity refers to radius. Adults typically around 100 mm.
Stomach eversion is an important supplement to suspension feeding.
The parasitic cyclopoid copepod Asterocheres lillyeborgi has more than a 90% occurrence
Biology References Campbell, 1994, Brun, 1976, Nichols, 1969,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandAll round Ireland except perhaps for the east coast. South-east England round to the west coast northwards to northern Scotland.
Global distributionSouth, West and North coasts of Britain and Ireland. West Channel and Brittany.
Biogeographic rangeNot researched Depth range0 - 100 m
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional InformationHenricia oculata is occasionally found exposed to the air at low spring tides (Campbell pers comm.).
Substratum preferencesBedrock
Large to very large boulders
Small boulders
Cobbles
Gravel / shingle
Pebbles
 Physiographic preferencesOpen coast
Biological zoneSublittoral Fringe
Upper Infralittoral
Lower Infralittoral
Upper Circalittoral
Lower Circalittoral
 Wave exposureVery Exposed
Exposed
Moderately Exposed
Tidal stream strength/Water flowInsufficient information
 SalinityInsufficient information
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References Campbell, 1994, Brun, 1976, Nichols, 1969,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeGonochoristic
 Developmental mechanismLecithotrophic
Direct Development
Reproductive SeasonMarch to April Reproductive LocationInsufficient information
Reproductive frequencyAnnual protracted Regeneration potential No
Life span3-5 years Age at reproductive maturityInsufficient information
Generation timeInsufficient information Fecundity100-1,000
Egg/propagule sizeInsufficient information Fertilization typeInsufficient information
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential>10km Larval settlement periodInsufficient information
Duration of larval stageInsufficient information   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationFemales have ripe eggs between March and April, males have mature sperm throughout the year.
Maturity dependent on size rather than age.
Reproduction References Brun, 1976,
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