92 — Cushion star, Patiriella regularis

Many Patiriella regularis disappearing into the
harbour channel depths, Pilot Bay
Mt. Maunganui, 2015.

An unusual four-sided Patiriella regularis,
Pilot Bay, Mt. Maunganui, 2015.

The cushion star, Patiriella regularis (Verril, 1867) is probably the most common sea star in New Zealand waters, and is found throughout. It is also believed to be an invasive species in southern Australia. In Tasmania it was thought that it was introduced in the 1930's on the shells of imported oysters.

They can get up to about 70mm across and can be many colours: from red to orange to greeny-blue, and combinations in between. Most commonly they have five arms, but occasionally they can be seen with six or four.

They prefer shores with moderate to low wave exposure (although I have seen them on rock pools at Piha, which is very exposed) and will eat pretty much anything slow enough to catch.





More info:

NIWA's echinoderm guide