Cushion stars

A cushion star in the waters off Hawaii
A red cushion star in the waters off Hawaii

Cushion stars (Culcita novaeguineae) look just like their name implies – small but comfy-looking cushions that would not look out of place on your couch. However, these cushions would move around on their little tube feet, which might be a bit disconcerting.

They come in several colors including red, yellow, and tan and there’s often quite a bit of variety in their markings. Cushion stars feed on living coral, which they eat by pushing their stomach out and consuming the coral where it sits.

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