Five arms and pentagonal shape with a thick cushion-like body.The upper surface covered by a thick membrane through which numerous spines project giving the whole back a network like appearance (or fluffy!). There is a central opening in the upper membrane through which the starfish may pass out a jet of seawater every 1-2 minutes apparently caused by the raising and lowering of the whole disk. The membrane is soft and compresses easily. The colour is deep cream or pale yellow.

Deepwater, rare.

Likely a scavenger.

Largely unknown, but likely a broadcast spawner. A rare species.

NB "Fluffybum" is not a commonly used name, this species has no common name, however aquarium staff gave it this due to the "fluffy" appearance of the upper surface!

Prof M Barker