Culcita coriacea

(Müller & Troschel, 1842)

Vernacular names
English : Arabian cushion star
French : Etoile-coussin d’Arabie

Classification
Class : Asteroidea
Order : Valvatida
Family : Oreasteridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species reaches a diameter of 30 cm. Pentagonal body shape with 5 tentacles. Body thinner and with more defined tentacles than other species of its genus. Coloration reddish with beige-white spots and black dots following arms.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area and is endemic to the Red Sea and nearby gulf of Oman. Lives in lagoons, reef flats and areas with algae and seagrasses, down to 30 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species’ status has yet to be assessed. It has a very small range but appears to be locally common and not yet affected by loss of habitat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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