Echinaster arcystatus

Echinasteridae
Pale Mosaic Seastar
  • Echinaster arcystatus, Flinders Is, TAS, Photo: Andrew Green
    Echinaster arcystatus, Flinders Is, TAS, Photo: Andrew Green
  • Echinaster arcystatus, Photo: Rick Stuart-Smith
    Echinaster arcystatus, Photo: Rick Stuart-Smith
  • Echinaster arcystatus, Chain of Bays, SA, Photo: Andrew Green
    Echinaster arcystatus, Chain of Bays, SA, Photo: Andrew Green
  • Echinaster arcystatus, Wilsons Promontory, Vic, Photo: Andrew Green
    Echinaster arcystatus, Wilsons Promontory, Vic, Photo: Andrew Green
Distribution
Temperate Australasia
Description
Resembles Plectaster decanus, but grows to a larger size and has a paler, less distinctive network of small spines over the upper body surface, and arms that are rounder in cross-section and flabby. It is an uncommon species that feeds mainly on encrusting sponges and other sessile animals.
Information
  • Max Size: 36 cm
  • Sea Temperature Range: 12.4-22.2°C
  • Depth: 0-40m
  • Habitat: Rocky Reef
Rarity
  • IUCN Threat Status: Not Evaluated
  • Occurrence: Frequent (16% 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: Solitary (1 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
Report an Error
Further Information:
Copyright:
Copyright to the photographs on this site belongs solely to the credited photographers. Any requests for usage can be directed to the photographer through enquiries@reeflifesurvey.com.

Please use this form only for a single type of error. If you see multiple errors on the page for this species, please report these in separate forms by clicking on this button again after submitting this form


Thank you for highlighting this error. We appreciate your assistance in maintaining high quality control standards

Copyright Reef Life Survey 2019
Made by Forte Web Design
Forte Web Design support RLS
Supported by The Ian Potter Foundation