How big is the Red cushion sea star?

Red cushion sea star (Oreaster reticulatus) reaches 20–50 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Red cushion sea star?

Red cushion sea star is found between 1–30 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Red cushion sea star?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Red cushion sea star?

Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

Red cushion sea star (Oreaster reticulatus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Oreaster reticulatus
Common name: Red cushion sea star
Category: Echinoderms
Family: Oreasteridae
Genus: Oreaster
Size: 20–50 cm
Depth: 1–30 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: sand, seagrass
Behaviours: solitary, slow
Ocean zones: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific

Description

Oreaster reticulatus reaches 50 cm. Massive sea star with short thick arms, variable color: orange, red, brown, yellow, with characteristic dark reticulated pattern on the back. Lives on Caribbean shallow sandy bottoms and seagrass beds. Lives up to 15 years. Threatened by collection for decoration: never lift it out of the water (its internal organs cannot tolerate air). Observe and leave in place.

Photo of Red cushion sea star

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Red cushion sea star?: Red cushion sea star (Oreaster reticulatus) reaches 20–50 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Red cushion sea star?: Red cushion sea star is found between 1–30 m deep.
Is the Red cushion sea star dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Red cushion sea star?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Red cushion sea star?: Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the family Oreasteridae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 178210)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2272969)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia