Feeds mainly on encrusting sponges and other sessile encrusting organisms, using its everted stomach to digest food externally.
Reproduction
Oviparous
Identification marks
A robust, usually bright red to orange-red sea star with five short, broad, blunt-ended arms. The upper surface is rough and covered with small pale spines and conspicuous dark respiratory papulae.
Similar species
It may be confused with the red sea star Ophidiaster ophidianus, which has longer, more slender arms and a smoother appearance. Hacelia attenuata is generally larger, has more tapered arms and a different surface texture.
Approach rules
Observe without touching, lifting or moving it. Keep good buoyancy control and avoid contact with the substrate. Use only limited, indirect light; do not feed it.
Protection
IUCN assessed as Least Concern. It is not listed in the CITES Appendices. Avoid collection and disturbance, especially in marine protected areas.
