Cushion Star
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
These hardy stars need a large tank stocked with the appropriate corals for it to feed on. Scott W. Michael
Overview
This coral-eating sea star hardly looks like a sea star when full grown, because large individuals become almost spherical with only a hint of having arms. Only when the animal is turned over do the central mouth and five star-shaped rows of tube feet reveal its identity.
This star is seen in shades of red, brown, black, or green and may have patches of yellow highlighting.
Family: Oreasteridae
Other common name(s):
- Bun Starfish
- Pincushion Star
Native range:
Maximum length: 30 cm (12 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 380 L (100 gal)
Lighting: Immaterial.
Water: Marine 24 °C (75 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F)
Feeding
Feeds on live corals; may scavenge a bit.
Aquarium Compatibility
Not safe in a coral reef aquarium. Triton’s trumpet snails will eat this species, but as an adult it is likely to have no other enemies.
Special Care
It may be kept in reef tanks, provided the tank is large enough and stocked with the appropriate corals for it to feed on. It requires standard reef temperatures and salinity.
Notes
Smaller individuals are star-shaped; as they grow, the inter-ray areas fill in and expand relative to the tube-foot rows. With full-strength salinity and plenty of food, the Cushion Star will be quite hardy.