Cushion Sea Star (Oreaster reticulatus)

Also known as Caribbean Starfish, Common Sea Star, Cushion Starfish, Cushioned Star, Red Cushion Sea Star, Reticulated Sea Star, Starfish, West Indian Sea Star

Description

Also known Caribbean Starfish, Common Sea Star, Cushion Starfish, Cushioned Star, Red Cushion Sea Star, Reticulated Sea Star, Starfish, West Indian Sea Star.

Found singly or in constellations, over rubble and sandy bottoms, of coral and rocky reefs. Varies in colour.
They feed on algae, invertebrates, and sponges.
Length - 50cm
Depth - 0-40m
Widespread Western Atlantic, Caribbean

Sea Stars have remarkable regenerative powers, when attacked and damaged by predators they are able to grow new arms. They usually have five arms but have been found with 4 or 6 arms, this may be because more than one arm has been damaged at one time!
Sometimes small parasitic limpets can be found on the underside of arms which can deform the arms.
They possess a cleverly evolved arsenal of hydraulic tube feet connected to an elaborate water-vascular system that encircles the animal's mouth and extends via five radial canals down the centre of each arm.
Their mouth is underneath, but their prey is absorbed outside their mouths by forcing out their digestive organs from their stomach.
Sea Stars are carnivores and feed on almost any food including molluscs, worms, detritus and each other!
Some sea stars like the crown of thorns can be venomous. Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oreaster_reticulatus

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