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Cushion sea star

Oreaster reticulatus

Description:

A large seastar with a central disc from which its five tapered arms radiate. The cushion seastar can grow up to 0.50 m in diameter, depending on food availability. The seastar's body is covered by a hard outer shell with knobby spines, or ossicles, that extend away from the surface. Oreaster reticulatus is not polymorphic and can be easily distinguished from closely related species by their hard shell and short tapered arms. Individuals vary in color and can be brown, red, orange, or yellow. The juveniles are green, which provides camouflage from predators.

Habitat:

Colson Cay, Belize

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joanbstanley
Spotted by
joanbstanley

Belize

Spotted on Oct 18, 2013
Submitted on Nov 26, 2013

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