General Description

Arms 5, rounded not narrowly pointed at the ends. Disc and arm surface spines are knob-like, frequently in a zig-zag series along the top of the arm. Colour variable, including red to brown to orange to cream, spines sometimes purple. Centre to arm tip up to 12 cm.

Biology

The colour pattern of this sea star is sometimes similar to the introduced Northern Pacific Sea Star, but the introduced species has pointed arms and pointed spines.

Habitat

Rock and sandy areas, under rocks and in the open, to depth of 143 m.

Reefs

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

South-eastern Australia.

Species Group

Seastars and allies › Sea stars

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

24 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 2665

Identify

• Seastars

Conservation Status

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