Cushion Star
Porania pulvillus
Habitat: Kelp forest, rocky reef and sea bed
Depth: 10-250m
Food: Dead man’s fingers and dead animal matter
Size: Up to 12cm across
Lifespan: Unknown
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated (NE)
This beautiful starfish is bright red in colour and, unlike other starfish, its surface is smooth and velvety to the touch. Its Latin name ‘pulvillus’ means ‘pillow’ which reflects its body shape. Living in the rocky reef, the red cushion star is known to feed on dead man’s fingers – the soft colonial corals. Like other starfish, it feeds by turning its stomach inside out!