Cushion starfish

Description:

A group of cushion starfish was near a subsurface channel (approximately 15 feet deep) near the south tip of Long Caye Island, Lighthouse Reef Atoll. The starfish measured about 18 inches from arm tip to arm tip.

Habitat:

Starfish are bottom dwellers and congregate near food sources. This species is found more abundantly on coarse, calcareous sandy bottoms that are isolated or surrounded by seagrasses such as Turtle Grass (Thalassia testudinum) and has mangrove to serve as nurseries. It recently has been found that the mangroves, protective coral reefs of the atoll, along with luxuriant seagrass beds, are important habitats for recruitment (production of the next generation) of O. reticulatus.

Notes:

Starfish was photographed and quickly returned to its environment by a diver. The picture was taken by students and staff of Brookhaven College Geospatial Technology Program.