General Description

Arms 5, arms with rounded ends. Disc and arms typically yellow or orange or red, with close black speckling. Centre to arm tip up to 11 cm.

Biology

The scientific name of this species relates to the many black sacs (papulae) on the surface which give the sea star its speckled appearance. It occasionally moves into shallow waters.

Habitat

Exposed reefs and sheltered shallow sub-tidal, to depth of 160 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

Southern and eastern Australia.

Species Group

Seastars and allies › Sea stars

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

22 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Species Code

MoV 2649

Identify

• Seastars

Conservation Status

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