| Plectaster | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Asteroidea |
| Order: | Spinulosida |
| Family: | Echinasteridae |
| Genus: | Plectaster Sladen, 1889 |
| Species: | P. decanus |
| Binomial name | |
| Plectaster decanus (Müller & Troschel 1843) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Plectaster decanus, the mosaic sea star, is a species of sea star found off the south coast of Australia. It is the only species in the genus Plectaster.
Description
This five-armed starfish is distinguished by its very bright colors. A group of raised yellow ridges covers its red upper surface and it is soft in texture. Plectaster decanus is one of the few poisonous sea stars, and can cause numbness in humans if it is carried for any length of time.
Distribution and habitat
Plectaster decanus lives in rocky reefs off the southern coast of Australia. It lives at a depth of 30–600 ft (10–180 m).
Food
Plectaster decanus primarily feeds on sponges.
References
- ^ Mah, Christopher (2010). Mah CL (ed.). "Plectaster decanus (Muller & Troschel, 1843)". World Asteroidea database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
- ^ "Mosaic Sea Star Plectaster decanus". Oceana.org. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
| Taxon identifiers | |
|---|---|
| Plectaster | |
| Plectaster decanus | |
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