Of all Animals. 35

# ON SEA STARS

Various kinds of sea stars are observed; some grow to an enormous size, others reach only a moderate scale, and some always remain small, never growing any further. Likewise, some are prickly, others net-like, and others smooth (though these are rare); some are branched—which some call "arborescent"—and finally, others are winding. Furthermore, they all vary greatly in color. Lastly, some are endowed with only five rays, while others possess many more.

Among those consisting of five rays is the one named the "Sea Sun" by Rondelet, because it somewhat resembles a depiction of the sun. From the central trunk of its body, as if from a center point, five rays burst forth. These are not at all rough on their upper side but appear as if composed of scales, while their sides are stiff with small prickles, tapering off toward the tips. The round body of the star has the likeness of a painted rose impressed in its center, as seen in the illustration provided in the *History of Insects*, where only the front is depicted. Here, however, an illustration of this sea star is presented showing both sides.

A sea star consisting of five rays, or Rondelet's "Sun," illustrated from both sides.

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