> [!summary]- Classification
**Kingdom**:: [Animalia](Animalia.md)
**Phylum**:: [Echinodermata](Echinodermata.md)
**Subphylum**:: [Asterozoa](Asterozoa.md)
**Superclass**::
**Class**:: Asteroidea
**Subclass**::
**Superorder**::
**Order**:: Forcipulatida
**Suborder**::
**Superfamily**::
**Family**:: Asteriidae
**Subfamily**::
**Genus**:: Marthasterias
**Species**:: M. glacialis
**Vernacular**:: Spiny starfish
## Photos
*[125 - 2023-05-16 - Aventis III - Epidaurus - Greece](125%20-%202023-05-16%20-%20Aventis%20III%20-%20Epidaurus%20-%20Greece.md) - The main feature of this species is the spines with a tuft of [pedicellaria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedicellaria) around. At the end of each arm, there's a pink area, which is photosensitive and help the animal to understand its environment through exposure*.
*[126 - 2023-05-16 - Delta - Epidaurus - Greece](126%20-%202023-05-16%20-%20Delta%20-%20Epidaurus%20-%20Greece.md) - Colors may vary, but we see the same spines and pedicellaria.*
## Notes
This species can be confused with [Coscinasterias tenuispina - Blue spiny starfish](Coscinasterias%20tenuispina%20-%20Blue%20spiny%20starfish.md). C. tenuispina often have between 6 to 10 arms and doesn't have its spines rounded by pedicellaria tofts.
## References
- https://doris.ffessm.fr/Especes/Marthasterias-glacialis-Etoile-de-mer-glaciaire-336