Sealife guideThe mosaic sea starPlectaster decanus
Last updated on 08/10/2026 at 10:24 PM
Taxonomy
English names
Mosaic sea star
French namesEtoile de mer mosaïque
Spanish namesEstrella mosaico
Scientific namePlectaster decanus (Muller & Troschel, 1843)
FamilyEchinasteridae
OrderSpinulosida
ClassAsteroidea
Description
The mosaic sea star is a five-armed sea star distinguished by its geometric patterns, which form a mosaic with very bright yellow or even whitish seams. Its main color is generally bright red, but the mosaic sea star can sometimes display a darker red coloration as well as areas of different colors.
L'étoile de mer mosaïque (Plectaster decanus) est revêtue d'une belle mosaïque rouge aux joints d'un jaune vif ! © Irko Van Der Heide | Dreamstime.com
Geographic range
The mosaic sea star is a sea star endemic to the southern coast of Australia. It is found from Perth on Australia's west coast to Brisbane on the east coast, passing through Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
Habitat
The mosaic sea star inhabits rocky reefs at depths ranging from 33 feet to more than 492 feet.
Diet
The mosaic sea star feeds mainly on sponges.
Did you know ?
The mosaic sea star is one of the few venomous sea star species. It can cause numbness in humans when handled for an extended period of time.
The mosaic sea star (Plectaster decanus) © Irko Van Der Heide | Dreamstime.com
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