Dwarf Cushion Star

Parvulastra exigua

Sea Life Native IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

This species has 5 arms that merge with the disc and is pentagon in shape. They are dark red-brown to green on the upper surface, blue underneath (on the oral surface)

They are hermaphrodites and lay their eggs on rocks, instead of producing swimming larvae like most seastars

Size

Grows to a max size of 4cm

Habitat

Shallow intertidal rock pools, on and under rocks, to depth of 5 m

Distribution

Geographically widespread sites around the southern hemisphere (including South Africa and Australia)

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)
  1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  2. Mah, C.L. (2021). World Asteroidea Database. Parvulastra exigua (Lamarck, 1816). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species (accessed 2021-10-31 09:31:13)

Header image: CC BY-SA 4.0 © wildroo

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.