[3] Echinaster are found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, with most species being studied in the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil.

[3] The sub-genera Othilia is thought to encompass species mainly found in the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil.

The genus echinaster includes 61 known species: Sea stars can live up to 35 years in the wild under the proper conditions,[5] but the lifespans of Echinaster can be variable and affected by environmental factors such as salinity, temperature of water, light availability, and pollution.

[6] Echinaster are able to start reproduction by broadcast spawning gametes into the water, where externally fertilized eggs develop into planktonic larvae.

[6] The mouth and spine begin to form on the body and after fifteen days, symmetry is more pronounced and the eyespot has fully developed.

[6] 60 days after fertilization occurred the sea stars can evert their stomach, their mouths become active, and they begin to feed on algae.

[11] Each pouch divides into a series of channels which are lined with cilia and act as a pumping organ for the sea star.

[13] Circular muscle fibers contract in the arm causing the tube feet to pull towards the wound.

[13] Directly beneath the epidermis of the wound, phagocytes can be observed ingesting any bacteria or extra cells which are not necessary for regeneration.

[15] This response is the ability to adjust tube feet to their proper orientation after a full body inversion.

[15] It can be useful if an organism gets caught in a storm surge or is dislodged by a predator, and also serves as a marker to assess their functional status when exposed to environmental changes.

[15] This directly affects the Echinaster's ability to right, causing their response to be slower and less efficient.

[16] Evidence suggests that some species of these sea stars may linger around mangroves and reefs to prey upon the sponges which populate these areas.

[16] Studies also showed that the Echinaster prefer sponge species that lack chemical defenses.

[11] When Echinaster settle in feeding positions, their stomachs tend to evert into a button-like structure.

[17] The phytochemical analysis showed secondary metabolites including saponins, phenols, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, amino acids and quinones.

[17] The extract was tested against mice who were infected with the parasite Leishmania amazonensis, which is known to cause diseases such as leishmaniasis.

Another species within the genera, Echinaster brasiliensis, has been studied to examine the biochemical bases of circadian rhythms, and produces endogenous melatonin in their gonads.