Velvety star

Scientific name : Leiaster speciosus

Sea star with 5 long, cylidrical arms. The surface is covered with short papillae arranged in rectangular areas. Red or orange colour. 20 cm diameter.
Encountered along the reef front or external reef.
Confusion possible with Echinaster luzonicus, it is distinguished by the rectangular pattern. Nardoa galatheae has a less regular mesh-like pattern.