Cushion Star

The Cushion Star is a compact, thick-bodied seastar with a distinctive puffy appearance—hence the common name. Found across rocky and coral reef environments in shallow to moderate depths, it's easily recognised by its rounded, dome-like profile and small, blunt arms. Despite its squat, sedentary look, it is an active predator and scavenger, feeding on small invertebrates, detritus, and algae. Its cryptic colouration helps it blend into reef crevices where divers often spot it tucked into tight spaces.