Scarlet Starfish
Henricia oculata
Habitat: Rock pools to kelp forest and rocky reef
Depth: 1-100m
Food: Plankton and dead animal matter
Size: Up to 12cm across
Lifespan: Unknown
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated (NE)
The scarlet starfish is a dramatic pink colour with a rough, sandpaper like texture. Its arms are actually round in cross section. It is a suspension feeder, that is, it feeds on plankton or dead animal matter suspended in passing water currents. It produces mucus to trap food between its arms and its tube feet move the food to its central stomach.