Culcita coriacea (Arabian cushion star)

Identification

Large and bulky with 5 strongly reduced arms, brown to orange with dark lines and circle-shaped light and dark blotches. It is identified by the many small pores on arms.

Status

Unassessed by the IUCN Red list. It is not common, and can be found in a limited habitat.

Habitat

It can be found from the Red Sea to Oman, on sand, rubble, coral and reef plateaus, lagoons and slopes, in a depth range of 1-30 meters.

Reproduction

Size

Up to 25cm.

Prey / Predation

It feeds on coral polyps and algae.

Special features