Asterias versicolor is a species of starfish native to the southern coasts of Japan[1][2] southwards to the South China Sea.

[1][2][3][5] Sladen does not specify the etymology of the specific epithet, but states the mottled yellow and dark brown colouration is striking, and likely derived the name from this observation.

[1] In 1930 Walter Kenrick Fisher stated that Asterias versicolor was closely related to A. amurensis, but that A. rollestoni might well intergrade with this species to the north of its range.

[1][6][7] The dorsal (carinal) spines are small but robust, 1-1.2mm long, end in a truncated, sometimes channelled or otherwise crenellated point, and are arranged in a rough stripe down the top of each arm.

[1][7] These spines are affixed to the dorsal plates of the exoskeleton, and on the skin appear to occupy the centre of a low, broad, slightly convex bump.

[7] The crossed (forcipiform) pedicellariae are also slender,[1][6] and clustered in wreaths or circles around the bases of the dorsal to the marginal spines.

[1] Sladen considered it a close ally of Asterias amurensis, being separated from this species by the spines on the plates below the margin and the character of the armature.