What is choriaster granulatus?

Choriaster granulatus is a species of sea star that belongs to the family Oreasteridae. They are commonly known as the granulated sea star or cushion sea star and are found in the Indo-Pacific region. They are usually seen in shallow water areas such as coral reefs, lagoons, and tidal pools.

The granulated sea star has a distinctive appearance, with a cushion-like body that is covered in small, round bumps or granules. They are typically five-armed, but can have up to seven arms. Their color can vary, with some individuals being a deep red or orange color while others may be yellow, brown, or gray.

Choriaster granulatus feeds on a variety of small invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. They use their arms to grasp their prey and then evert their stomach to digest it externally.

These sea stars are known to be relatively hardy and can survive in captivity. They are sometimes collected and imported for the aquarium trade. However, overcollection and habitat destruction are major threats to their populations in the wild.