General Description

Arms 5 or 6, sometimes of differing lengths, short and wide, not tapering. Edge of arm with paddle-like spines. Disc and upper arms brown, with edges white. Centre to arm tip up to 5 mm.

Biology

This is the smallest known seastar in the world. It has fissiparous reproduction where the animal divides in two to create new individuals.

Habitat

Limited information known, on bryozoans and in sediment, to depth of 12 m.

Reefs

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

Central and eastern Victoria.

Species Group

Seastars and allies › Sea stars

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

1 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Identify

• Seastars

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed