Stars...of the sea? Armed with such flamboyant coloration and graceful movements this Bradley's sea star (Mithrodia bradleyi) was discovered while diving at Los Islotes. Brilliant colored invertebrate life abounds in the waters around this island, in addition to the regular resident population of California sea lions. This member of the Echinodermata family (meaning spiny skin) is related to brittle stars, urchins, and sea cucumbers. Radial pentamerous symmetry enables the sea star to effectively monitor its environment in all directions equally well. Another effective adaptation includes having the extraordinary ability to regenerate damaged or torn arms. The range of this beautiful animal is the Central Gulf of Panama, including Islas Revillagigedos and Galapagos.