Choriaster granulatus (Granulated Sea Star)

Details

Choriaster granulatus—the doughboy / granulated sea star—belongs to family Oreasteridae. It features short, blunt arms, a puffed central disc and a dorsum covered with granules/tubercles, making it conspicuous on Indo‑Pacific reefs.

Ecology & Biology

• Diet: chiefly omnivorous/detritivorous, grazing biofilms, microalgae and small invertebrates; occasionally consumes coral or sponges.

• Feeding: deploys an eversible stomach to digest food externally.

• Regeneration: capable of repairing/regrowing damaged arms.

• Ontogeny: juveniles with slender arms becoming stubbier as they mature.

Identification

Five‑rayed symmetry; rounded arm tips; fine granulation and tuberculation on the dorsum. Colour ranges from pale pink and beige to light orange/brown, often with lighter tips. Ventrally, ambulacral grooves and tube feet are evident, with the mouth centred.

Size & Longevity

• Size: arm‑to‑arm diameter typically 20–30 cm, sometimes larger.

• Life: several years to over a decade depending on conditions.

Range & Habitat

Throughout the tropical Indo‑Pacific on reefs, lagoons, seagrass and coral rubble from ~1–30+ m depth.

Conservation & Threats

• Threats: habitat degradation, curio/aquarium collection and local water‑quality decline.

• Guidance: adhere to no‑touch/no‑lift practices; avoid buying dried sea‑star curios.

IUCN: marked here as Not Evaluated (NE).