DESCRIPTION:  Up to 30cm in diameter.  The mollusc feeding Common Starfish is a beautiful creature best identified by the orange colour (although browner forms do occur) to the upper surface that is accentuated by a delightful arrangement of pale spines.  There are five arms and on their pale lower surface are rows of small-tube-like feet. DISTRIBUTION:  Found on all British and Irish coasts but becoming less frequent. HABITAT: Found on rocky shores in rockpools or anywhere where there are plenty of mussels. TIME TO SEE:  All year round and particularly after a stormy spell.