Oreaster reticulatus

Behavior:

The red cushion sea star has a net-like pattern on its surface. Individuals are usually red, orange or yellow in color, but can also appear green. They commonly have five arms, although four-, six- and seven-armed specimens have also been identified. This species feeds on algae, sponges and small invertebrates that live in the sand. They feed by extruding their stomach tissue and digesting any edible elements they find. Adults are known to migrate to deeper, off-shore, waters during the winter, which offer better protection from water turbulence during storms.

Predators:

Triton

Did you know?

The color of adult red cushion sea stars can vary from red to orange, yellow and brown. Juveniles are usually greenish-brown with mottled markings, which provides better protection in their seagrass habitat.