Sthenaster emmae has five arms, a triangular outline, actinal intermediate plates, abactinal plates, ranges from 42mm - 45mm wide, and is usually an orange color.

On the actual intermediate plates, there are poorly developed teeth.

In contrast, on each abactinal plate, there are about 9 to 12 interlocking teeth per valve present.

[1] Sthenaster emmae was first found off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida and 250-501 meters outside of the ocean banks in Savannah, Georgia.

[1] At the Savannah Banks, Sthenaster emmae are found on hard rock substrate, where various sponges, corals, coral rubble, and gorgonians also share that habitat.