The Common Starfish or Common Sea Star (Asterias rubens) is the most common and familiar starfish in the north-east Atlantic. It has five arms and usually grows to between 10–30 cm across, although larger specimens (up to 52 cm across) are known. The Common Starfish is usually orange or brown, and sometimes violet; deep-water specimens are pale. The Common Starfish is to be found on rocky and gravelly substrates.
In some homes, dried and preserved sea stars can be found. The starfish is popular as a souvenir all around the coast of California, Florida, China, Japan and various islands. This animal can be preserved, much like the sea urchin or the Sand Dollar.
Colors can vary greatly. The most common are orange, red, or yellow, though some can be white, blue, purple or green.