Anthenea australiae
Australian cushion star
Similar Species
Distribution
Localised
Description
Large orange seastar that is locally abundant in the lower reaches of the Swan estuary. Little is known of the habits of this species; however, it is thought to feed on bacteria and other microbes associated with the surface of the sediment.
Information
Max Size: 19 cm
Sea Temperature Range: 17.1-23.7°C
Depth: 1-15m
Habitat Generalization Index: N/A
Also referred to as the SGI (Species Generalisation Index), this describes the habitat niche breadth of the species. Species with values less than 15 are found in a relatively narrow range of reef habitat types (specialists), while those over 25 may be found on most hard substrates within their range (generalists). Learn more here.
Conservation and Rarity
IUCN Status: Not Evaluated
Occurrence: Widespread (100% of sites)
Occurrence describes how often the species is found on surveys within its distribution. It is calculated as the % of reef sites surveyed by RLS divers across all the ecoregions in which the species has been observed
Abundance: Several (5 per transect)
Abundance is calculated as the average number of individuals recorded per RLS transect, where present.
Edit by: GJ Edgar. 2008. Australian Marine Life. New Holland, Sydney