Culcita novaeguineae

Datasheet

General Description

The Cushion Sea Star, scientifically known as Culcita novaeguineae, is a species that thrives in aquarium environments. This sea star, belonging to the Oreasteridae family, is recognized by its puffy, inflated appearance. Typically green in their juvenile stage, adult cushion sea stars can exhibit colors like orange, red, brown, and yellow, often in mottled or camouflaged patterns. Its underside reveals the distinct sea star structure, where its arms grow until they eventually meet each other.

Aquarium Suitability

Regarded as peaceful and beneficial in aquariums, the Cushion Sea Star helps maintain tank cleanliness by consuming detritus and leftover food. However, these invertebrates are sensitive to abrupt changes in oxygen levels, salinity, and pH. They are incompatible with copper-based medications. Acclimating new specimens using the drip acclimation method and avoiding air exposure during handling is crucial for their well-being.

Care and Hardiness

Cushion Sea Stars have moderate care requirements, demanding stable water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.023-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12. These sea stars are best suited to aquariums with a sandy, coral rubble substrate and live rock that harbors algae for grazing.

Reef Suitability

The Cushion Sea Star is not considered reef-safe due to its diet, which includes coral polyps and small sessile invertebrates. Therefore, caution is advised when considering this species for a reef tank setup.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Cushion Sea Star, ensure the presence of suitable live rock containing algae for grazing. A sandy substrate and rocky features resembling its natural habitat are essential for providing an enriching environment.

Behaviour

Known for their peaceful temperament, Cushion Sea Stars exhibit a slow-moving and deliberate manner. Their feeding habits involve scavenging for detritus and consuming small invertebrates and algae.

Feeding and Diet

Feeding a varied diet is vital for the Cushion Sea Star's well-being. They can be supplemented with dried seaweed, algae pellets, and small clam meat pieces to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Dimorphism

The Cushion Sea Star reproduces both sexually through broadcasting and asexually through cloning or regeneration. It can display sexual and asexual reproductive strategies in captive environments.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in shallow rocky reefs, the Cushion Sea Star prefers habitats characterized by sandy substrates and coral rubble. These habitats provide ample foraging opportunities for the sea star, allowing them to graze on algae and small invertebrates.